Warning, mentions of child abuse and injuries. A slightly shorter chapter today focusing on Peter.
Peter woke feeling warm, comfortable, and safe. Three things he hadn't felt in what felt like ages. Stretching, he looked around the room with a bit of confusion trying to remember how he had ended up here. I was in the lab with Dr. Stark and mentioned my history paper. Peter shot up; eyes wide as he remembered the rest of the evening. I met the avengers! Sergeant Barnes was telling me war stories and I met Captain America and his family! Holy shit!
The pitter-patter of small feet startled Peter out of his slight panic a moment before his door banged open. "Morning Peter!" Jamie shouted as he rushed into the room. "Mum's just making breakfast so you should get up!"
"James!" a voice called from the hallway. "I hope you didn't wake Peter up." Bucky leaned against the doorframe and scowled at the boy. "I'm sorry Peter," he added when he saw the teen was awake. "We told Jamie to leave you alone, but he's excited to have someone around who might play with him."
Jamie shrugged one shoulder, "Sarah's boring. She's too young to play with me."
Peter laughed at the put-out look on the kid's face. "I'll play with you."
"Really!" Jamie spun to look at the older boy. "Awesome!"
"First," Bucky interrupted them. "Peter needs to get dressed, then you both need to eat breakfast. Only after can you go and play, remember that Peter still needs time to work on his homework though."
"Okay Uncle Bucky," Jamie launched himself at his uncle making the other man step backwards. "Let's go bug mum!"
"We'll be in the kitchen Peter," Bucky told the teen as he shifted Jamie, so the boy was sitting on his shoulders. "Just head straight down the hall. If you ever get lost just ask Jarvis." Gently, Bucky closed the teen's door then headed for the kitchen.
Once his door closed, Peter flopped back onto the bed with a sigh. How is this my life? Sighing he pushed himself up and out of bed. He was surprised to find a set of clothes waiting for him that even looked like they would fit him. "Um, Jarvis?" Peter asked quietly. "Is there a bathroom close by I can use?"
"There is a bathroom to the left of your bed, Peter," Jarvis told the boy.
Peter spun quickly on his heels, nearly toppling over. Sure enough, there was a door on the far wall. Opening it Peter was shocked by the grandeur of the room. There was a shower stall in the corner big enough for two grown men while across from it was an equally massive tub. Ignoring the rest of the bathroom, Peter headed for the toilet and sink. After getting dressed he headed out to find the others. It was surprisingly easy for Peter to find the kitchen as all he had to do was follow the noise.
Bucky carried Jamie into the living room and dropped him onto Steve. "I believe this is yours."
Laughing, Steve held Jamie up by his legs and stared at the upside-down boy. "Are you sure? I don't know."
Twisting and shrieking with laughter Jamie reached out for his dad, "it's me! Jamie!"
"Jamie? Are you sure?" Steve twisted Jamie around in the air. "What do you think Mo grá?" Steve asked Harry as the wizard brought in tea, coffee, and chocolate milk.
"That is definitely your son. Now put him down so he can drink his milk and you can have your tea. Try to keep out of trouble while I make breakfast. Jamie, try not to overwhelm Peter when he joins us alright." Leaving his boys, Harry headed for the kitchen, he had breakfast to make. "Jarvis," Harry said as he opened the fridge. "Would you mind turning on some music for me?"
"Of course, Harry. Is there a particular type of music you would like?"
Harry thought about it for a moment then nodded. "I'm feeling rather nostalgic this morning."
"I understand," Jarvis chuckled. A moment later Bing Crosby's Swinging on a Star started playing.
"Oh, Jarvis," Harry whispered knowing that Jarvis would hear him. "Could you remind the others that Peter is here and that there are to be no wands around him?"
"I will remind them all as they wake."
Peter stood in the archway leading from the hall into the living room watching with a soft smile. He would give anything to be part of that. Part of a family.
"Everything okay Underoos?" Tony asked from bedside Peter, startling the teen.
"Dr. Stark! I didn't see you there."
Tony wrapped an arm around the teen's shoulders. "Come on kiddo, don't stand in the doorway like a creeper. Join in on the fun." Gently Tony pulled Peter into the living room with him. "Morning all!"
"Uncle Tony!" Jamie called out reaching for his uncle while still dangling upside-down. He had tacked his dad the moment he finished his milk. Steve had just shaken his head and held his son by his ankles.
"Oh! Look at you mini-me. What are you doing upside-down?"
"Daddy and Uncle Bucky are being silly!"
"Here Tony," Steve held Jamie out towards Tony. "You can have this."
"Eww," Tony backed away from the dangling boy. "It looks sticky. I don't want it."
"I'll take it," Peter shocked himself by speaking up. Holding out his hands Peter took Jamie who smiled and giggled.
"Peter! Are we going to play now?"
"Just for a bit," Steve told them as he stood. "Breakfast is almost ready." Moving around the couch, Steve headed for the kitchen and his husband. Jarvis had begun to play Harry James' It's Been a Long, Long, Time. Reaching out, he grabbed Harry's hand and pulled the smaller man towards him.
"Steve," Harry scolded while laughing. "I'm trying to cook breakfast. It will burn."
"I've got it," Bruce said as he entered the kitchen. "You go."
Sighing fondly, Harry allowed himself to be pulled into Steve's embrace as the super-soldier began dancing around the kitchen while singing. On the couch, Bucky was texting Jarvis about which song to play next while his husband picked Sarah up out of her playpen. Settling on the couch beside his husband Tony propped Sarah up against his legs. "What are you up to?"
"Asking Jarvis to play a certain song next." Sure, enough even before Harry James had finished Jarvis began playing Fred Astaire's Cheek to Cheek.
Hearing the beginning of the song, Harry let out a sob and buried his face in Steve's chest. Over Harry's head, Steve glared at Bucky. Shaking his head, Steve adjusted Harry in his arms and continued to dance around the common floor while singing. Jarvis seemed to understand that Harry was having a difficult time and switched to instrumental Celtic when the song ended.
The second the music changed Harry rushed for the bathroom needing to wash his face. Steve watched his husband go with a sad smile on his face. Walking over to the couch Steve reached out and smacked Bucky. "What the hell asshole?"
"Why is mum crying?" Jamie asked from Peter's back.
"Cause your uncle's a prick," Steve said hitting Bucky again. "That was your Mhamó's favourite song, which he should remember as he got her that record for Christmas in thirty-five. Add to that your mum's pregnant and full of hormones," Steve glared at his brother again. Bucky had the sense to look regretful.
"Breakfast is ready," Bruce called out saving Bucky from another smack.
Steve looked at the table then down the hall Harry had disappeared. "Jamie, look after Peter. Make sure your uncles don't harass him too much okay. I'm going to check on your mum." Knowing that Jamie would take the order seriously Steve had no issues leaving Peter alone with the rest of the Avengers. "Jarvis, where did Harry go?"
"Harry is the lavatory at the end of the hall. The door is unlocked."
"Thanks, Jarvis," Steve headed down the hall. Reaching the door, he grabbed the handle and quietly knocked on the door. "Harry? Mo grá?" Opening the door Steve stepped into the bathroom before closing the door behind him. "An bhfuil tú ceart go leor?" (Are you alright?)
"Yeah," Harry sighed and leaned back into Steve. "Just my damn hormones. I hope you hit Bucky for me?"
"Twice."
They both laughed. "Good." Harry turned and pressed himself into Steve's chest. "Did I make a fool of myself?"
"No. Jamie was concerned, and I think Peter was a little confused, but everyone understood. Bruce finished breakfast if you're interested."
Harry pushed off Steve's chest and headed for the door, not listening to Steve's laughter behind him. "Thanks for taking over the cooking Bruce," Harry said as he sat down beside Jamie.
"It's not a problem Harry," Bruce smiled at the other man. "I enjoy cooking and you looked like you were enjoying yourself."
Blushing Harry accepted the platter of fried potatoes and held it while Jamie served himself then his mum. Slowly the platers made their way around the table. Conversations were kept quiet, no one wanted to set Harry off again. Peter was gushing over Bruce and discussing the man's latest paper. Harry and Tony shared a look and tried hard not to laugh. Bruce was blushing and stumbling over his words, not used to people wanting to be around him or wanting to talk to him about anything other than the Hulk.
After breakfast Jamie pulled Peter back into the living room, wanting to play more with the teen. Bruce waved away Harry's offer to help clean up while pushing a stack of plates into Fred's hand. Holding up his hands in surrender, Harry followed his husband and brothers into the living room. "Jamie," Harry said as he settled onto the couch beside Steve. "Don't forget you have your self-defence lessons this afternoon. Actually. Peter, you should join them. Steve and Bucky have taken over teaching Jamie how to defend himself."
"I don't mind, if you want to join," Steve reassured the teen who looked like he was freaking out. "I promise that we'll go easy on you."
Peter looked over at Tony as if to ask for permission. Tony shrugged and smiled at the boy he was beginning to think of as his own. "I don't mind. Just remember that you still have that history paper to finish. So, here's the plan, you and Jamie can play till ten-thirty. Then Bucky will continue to tell stories till lunch. After lunch, Peter you can work out a draft of your paper, and find out what else you need. Self-defence lessons will start at three and dinner is at six. We'll leave after dinner plans open, depending on where Peter is sitting for his paper." Tony paused and looked at both boys. "Fair?"
"Yes Dr. Stark," Peter was surprised at how welcoming they were all being.
"Okay, Uncle Tony. Come on Peter!" Jamie grabbed Peter's hand and pulled the teen towards his room.
Harry and the other adults watched with fond smiles. "Can I assume that I won't be getting my daughter back at all this morning," Harry smirked after Tony who had just taken off with Sarah. "Well," Harry turned to look at his husband. "The children are busy, and we have been left alone. Whatever shall we do?"
"Remember that you are not alone in this room before you get too ambitious," Bruce dryly commented.
"I suppose we shall have to retire to our floor then," Steve stood and picked Harry up before heading to the elevator. "Jarvis, our floor please."
"Right away Captain Rogers."
Bruce shook his head in exasperation as the elevator door closed only to be attacked by two pairs of hands. "You know, I think Harry and Steve have the right idea."
"Indeed, dear brother mine. We should head to our floor."
"I'm sure we could find something to occupy our time with."
Bruce smiled at the red-haired menaces. "Have I mentioned how grateful I am that you two have stopped the annoying twin talk around me?"
"You have," Fred smirked against Bruce's shoulder.
"Many times," George bit gently on Bruce's other shoulder.
"Off, both of you," Bruce laughed swatting them both. "Elevator. Now."
Bucky sighed and flopped further onto the couch. "Fuck."
"That's a bad word Uncle Bucky," Jamie said smirking at him from the end of the couch. Behind him, Peter was covering his mouth to stop himself from laughing.
"What are you two doing?" that look was never good.
"Nothing," Jamie answered quickly.
Immediately Bucky was concerned. Siting up he leaned forward so his face was only inches from Jamie's. "Try that again kiddo. Come on, convince me." Jamie just started bouncing in place, making Bucky sigh. "Will your Ma kill me if I go along with your plan?"
That had Jamie pausing. "No. Promise. We just wanted to go up to the roof garden, but Jarvis says we're not allowed up there without an adult. He also said that Mum and Da are busy and we shouldn't ask them and Uncle Tony has Sarah so he can't play with us."
Sighing, Bucky checked his watch and nodded. "Alright, we've got some time. If you want Peter, you can grab a notebook and pen and I'll tell stories out in the garden. Go and get your shoes on and a light sweater. I'll meet you at the elevator." Both boys rushed off making Bucky laugh. "Jarvis, can you let me know when it's ten-thirty and when the Punk and Brat come up for air, let them know where we are."
"Of course, Sergeant." Bucky could swear that Jarvis was laughing.
Getting up, he headed for his room looking for his husband and his shoes. "There you are," he smiled at Tony who was laying on their bed with Sarah. "I'm taking the boys up to the roof garden to play. Then, we'll probably stay up there for storytime."
"Have fun," Tony smiled up at his husband. "I'll be here keeping this lovely lady company."
Leaning down, Bucky kissed both Tony and Sarah. "Feel free to come and join us if you feel like it." Grabbing a light sweater Bucky headed for the elevator, unsurprised to find both boys waiting for him. "Alright, let's go." The boys rushed into the elevator with Bucky following at a much slower pace. When the doors opened on the roof garden Jamie rushed out pulling Peter along behind him. "Jamie," Bucky scolded. "Be gentle, Peter's not enhanced like you."
"Oh," Jamie immediately let go of Peter's hand. "I'm sorry Peter."
"It's alright," Peter had to smile at the younger boy. "You didn't hurt me. Guess what?" He paused for a moment before reaching out and tapping Jamie's shoulder. "Tag! You're it!" Peter took off running.
An hour later and Peter collapsed on the bench beside Bucky panting. "Wow, Jamie has a lot of energy."
Laughing Bucky passed over a water bottle Tony had sent up. "He does have the serum, same as Steve. I'm surprised you were able to keep up with him for so long. Good news is that it's storytime. Jarvis can record us up here as well so if you're not quite able to take notes yet that's fine. Jamie! Storytime!" Jamie came rushing through the garden and cuddled into his uncle's side. Smiling Bucky wrapped an arm around both boys and began talking.
That was how Tony found them later when he came to summon them for lunch. "Don't you three look comfortable." He smiled at them, even Peter had cuddled close to Bucky. "I almost hate to bother you, but lunch is ready if anyone is hungry." Instantly Jamie was up and running to the elevator. "Jamie!" Tony called out while following the boy. "Slow down kiddo."
On the garden bench, Bucky squeezed Peter, "come on, if we don't get down there soon Jamie and Steve will have eaten all the food."
Peter allowed himself to be pulled up and guided towards the elevator. He was enjoying himself here, it felt good to have adults that would look after him. A small part of him wanted to stay, but Peter knew better than to hope.
Lunch was a quiet affair, as only Tony, Bucky, and the boys were at the table while Sarah, was sitting in her high chair, playing with the bowl of cheerios Tony had given her. Draco and Clint had taken Archer to visit with Sev and Luc while everyone else was otherwise occupied on their floors. After lunch, Tony took Jamie and Sarah up to the penthouse to keep them occupied while Bucky and Peter worked on Peter's history paper.
It was with no small amount of relief that Peter followed Bucky into the gym later that afternoon. He had outlined his paper and searched for books that he thought would be helpful. After all, he had to have a certain number of resources, even if he only used a small part of each. So far it was looking like he would have to run to the library tomorrow.
Steve and Jamie were already in the gym warming up. "I'll show you how to warm up properly," Bucky told him as he guided Peter to another corner of the gym. "Then we'll go over some basic moves and blocks. Nothing to strenuous promise." As he promised, Bucky kept everything simple and easy.
Peter found himself enjoying the lessons with Bucky as much as he enjoyed spending time in the lab with Tony. Steve even came over to help show Peter how to do a few moves and give encouragement when Peter stopped to watch Jamie.
"Hey," Steve nudged Peter with his shoulder. "Don't compare yourself to Jamie. This is your first lesson. Jamie has been having lessons since he was four and he has my serum, so he has an advantage. You'll get there." Feeling better about himself, Peter threw himself into the lessons wanting to impress both men.
After practice, all four headed for the showers before joining the rest of the family on the common floor. Jarvis had a movie ready for them to watch while Harry and Bruce made dinner. Instead of having dinner at the table, it was decided that they could eat in the living room. Once dinner was done, Peter pulled out his notebook and began outlining his paper.
Sunday found Peter spending most of his time working on the history paper. Jarvis was helping by pulling up books Peter needed without him having to go to the library. Instantly, Peter saw that history had gotten a lot wrong when it came to both Steve and Bucky. After a few moments of thought, Peter began rewriting his paper comparing what the history books said to what he had been told by Sergeant James Barnes himself.
At dinner that night he showed his paper to Tony and Bucky who read it together. "Peter," Bucky looked at Peter in amazement. "This is incredible."
"I have to agree," Tony said hugging Peter. "I want to see if we can publish this. It would clear up a lot of issues."
Peter looked at them in disbelief. "What? It's not that good."
"It really is," Bucky quickly told him. "I wouldn't be surprised if you get an A on this." Bucky passed the paper back to Peter with a proud smile on his face. "Put that away so you don't forget it then head to bed. Harry said he would drive you to school tomorrow as he is the least noticeable one of us who knows how to drive."
Taking the paper Peter looked between the two men and a moment later launches himself at them wrapping his arms around their necks. "Thank you both." Letting go, Peter turned and rushed from the room not wanting to see the horrified looks on the men's faces. Gathering his things Peter made sure he had everything ready for the next morning.
In the living room, Tony and Bucky shared a proud look. "Our boy is going to do wonderfully," Tony told his husband with a kiss.
It was two months later, and Peter was sitting in his history class which was thankfully the last class of the day. Though, it wasn't an internship day and the fact that his regular history teacher was back brought Peter's mood down a bit. He had enjoyed history when Mr. Morita had been teaching them while their teacher, Mrs. Connor, had been away for surgery.
"Mr. Parker," Mrs. Connor called out as the kids stood to leave as the bell rang. "Please stay behind for a moment." Peter sat back down and waited for everyone else to leave. "I understand that Mr. Morita had assigned a paper on the Howling Commandos while I was away."
"Yes ma'am," Peter agreed. The rest of the class had gotten their papers back the other day and Peter thought it odd that he hadn't gotten his back yet.
"I went over the papers, just to make sure I agreed with Mr. Morita's marking and while I agreed with most of his grades, there were a few that I changed. Your paper, however, was the worst. I don't know what possessed you to make up such outrageous lies, but I will not stand for it."
"I don't understand."
"Claiming that you spoke with Sergeant Barnes and creating such lies about him is beyond belief. Why Mr. Morita decided it was worth an 'A' I have no idea and I shall not let it stand." Mrs. Connor slammed her hands down on her desk startling Peter. "You cannot be allowed to go around creating lies and claiming it's the truth. This paper is receiving a failing grade, Mr. Parker and should you hand in anything like this again you shall be removed from my class."
Shocked, and a little scared, Peter turned and fled the class. In a daze, he gathered his things from his locker and left the school. He was so lost in thought that he ended up wandering the streets and arrived at the house quite late.
"Where the hell have you been boy?" Daniel screamed at him. "Do you have any idea what time it is?" Reaching out the man grabbed Peter's arm and shook the boy. Peter bit his lip as he felt something snap. "I won't have you coming into this house at all hours of the night." Letting go of the boy's arm Daniel backhanded the boy. "Get your ass to your room before I really lay into you."
Moving quickly Peter headed for his room. Closing the door, he leaned against it trying to catch his breath. Looking around the room Peter thought about the last few months and how much worse Daniel had been getting. There was no way he would survive if Daniel continued the way he was. Pushing himself off the door Peter took a deep breath and began shoving things into his bag as best he could.
Throwing his bag over his unhurt arm Peter snuck out of the house, he wasn't sure where he would go, but he couldn't stay here any longer. Peter just kept walking until he found himself standing outside of Avengers Tower. Reaching for the door Peter felt his heart sink when he found it locked. Sinking to the ground he leaned back against the door and let himself cry.
Jarvis was alerted the moment someone tried the door and immediately checked the security cameras. Finding Peter Parker sitting there injured he immediately alerted both Sir and the Sergeant. "Sirs I must insist that you make your way to the main doors. Young Master Peter is sitting outside, and he appears injured."
Bucky and Tony were up and moving before Jarvis even finished talking. "Jarvis!" Tony called as they reached the elevator. "Get us down there five minutes ago! Also, get my doctor and lawyers here now!" The second the elevator opened both men were rushing for the door only to pause when they saw how Peter had passed out. "If we open the door he's going to fall," Tony said quietly.
"I'll kneel by the door and catch him as you open the door," Bucky was already moving towards the door. Once he was in place near the door Bucky nodded up at his husband and prepared himself to catch their boy. The moment Peter was in his arms Bucky was standing and rushing for the elevator Jarvis had still waiting for them.
"Sir, Doctors Fisher, and Banner are waiting in the med bay, and I have told them what I can detect of Peter's condition. Your lawyers have gathered in your office along with two CPS workers."
"I'll take Peter to the med bay," Bucky leaned down and kissed Tony on the cheek. "You go and scare the crap out of the CPS workers."
Slowly a shark-like smile spreads across Tony's face. "Oh, I plan on it. Make sure that Bruce takes pictures of all Peter's injuries and documents everything." Tony watched as his husband carried Peter off the elevator and into the med bay. A small part of him relaxed knowing that Bucky wouldn't leave Peter and that Bruce was there as well.
Jarvis took him up to the highest office floor. Taking a breath Tony squared his shoulders and headed for his office. Normally, he didn't use it preferring to spend his time in one of his labs but there were times when being in his office was necessary. Opening the doors, he was pleased to see the group of lawyers he had been talking with about Peter along with the CPS agent he had spoken with.
"Miss. Arthurson, a pleasure to see you again, though I do wish it were under better circumstances." Tony offered his hand to the young red-headed woman.
"Dr. Stark," she took his offered hand. "This is my colleague, Ms. Emma Thromby. What has happened? Your message was rather vague."
"I do hope that this is important Mr. Stark," Thromby sneered. "It is quite late, and we do have jobs to get to in the morning."
"I assure you Ms. Thromby," Tony snarked back glaring at the older woman. "This is quite important. I have been talking with my lawyers and Miss. Arthurson regarding a young man in the foster system who I believe is being abused. One of your cases."
"Nonsense," Thromby shook her head. "I check on all my cases regularly and would have noticed. Which child came to you with their made-up sob story?"
"None. As you know Stark Industries gives out apprenticeships to students that are exceptional in the sciences. This year, we gave one apprenticeship to a very deserving young man named Peter Parker."
Thromby laughed and shook her head. "That boy has been nothing but trouble. I don't know what story he has been telling you, but he is lying."
"How do you know he is lying?"
"Because he always is. This is not the first time that he has claimed something had happened, yet every time I investigate it becomes clear that he has made the story up. This time is no different. If you will bring him here, I shall return him home."
"So, you're telling me that he's lying about this whole thing?" Tony's voice went low and cold.
"Of course."
"Jarvis?"
"Right away Sir," even Jarvis sounded upset. The next moment there was a large holo-screen showing a now awake Peter sitting on one of the beds in the med bay.
Bruce was standing beside the bed writing on a clipboard. "What happened to your arm, Peter?"
Peter looked down at his lap feeling nervous. Every time he had told someone about what was happening, they never believed him. Seeing the look on Peter's face Bucky reached over and placed his hand on the boy's shoulder. "It's alright Peter," he reassured him. "Everyone here will believe you."
Biting his lip Peter looked up at Bucky. He was feeling nervous, but he trusted Bucky and Tony. Nodding he reached for Bucky's hand, feeling a burst of affection when the soldier held his hand. "I came back to the house late and Daniel got mad. He started screaming and grabbed my arm hard and shook me…I felt something snap and there was so much pain. Then he hit me, and I landed on the floor. He told me to get my ass to my room before he really laid in on me. I was scared of what he would do to me, so I packed a bag and left."
Leaning down Bucky pulled Peter into a hug, careful of Peter's broken arm. "Tá sé ceart go leor ceann luachmhar. Ní dhéanfaidh aon duine tú a ghortú go deo arís." (It's alright precious one. No one will ever hurt you again.)
"Well, it appears that your arm is broken in two places," Dr. Fisher said as he looked over the X-rays. "Thankfully, they are clean breaks, and we can set them without any problems. You'll be in a cast for at least six weeks. Unfortunately, there isn't much I can do for your face. We're going to put a couple of butterfly stitches on your eyebrow. Otherwise, ice the bruise as needed. Doctor Banner can prescribe you painkillers if you need them. Doctor Banner, do you have all the photographs you need?"
"I think so," Bruce agreed. "I just need your signature on a few documents then you can get Peter into a cast."
"Alright," Dr. Fisher quickly signed the papers Bruce held out for him then turned and smiled at Peter. "What colour would you like your cast, Peter?"
"Um…red?"
Bucky laughed and ruffled the boy's hair. "Let me guess, hot rod red?" Peter just smiled up at him.
Holding the folder, Bruce headed for the elevator Jarvis had waiting. When the doors opened Bruce waited, taking a few deep breaths to calm himself before heading to Tony's office. Not bothering to knock, Bruce entered the room holding up the file. "Tony, I have the documents you need."
Smirking at Thromby, Tony took the file and passed it over to Miss. Arthurson. "Here are the photos of Peter's injuries, his testimony, along with the testimonies of both attending doctors."
"Thank you, Dr. Stark," Miss Arthurson took the file while shooting the other caseworker a deadly smirk. "I shall file these first thing in the morning along with approving your application to foster Peter. He may stay here tonight, no need to move him around unnecessarily. Feel free to call should you need anything."
"Now wait just a moment!" Thromby shouted stamping her foot. "You cannot just take over one of my cases and reassign the child. And certainty not with a family that hasn't been approved."
"You'll find that I can Emily," Miss. Arthurson's smirk rivalled Tony's. "Dr. Stark and I have been in contact for a few months now. He has filled out all the necessary paperwork and gone through all the home checks and inspections. His application to foster Peter was approved earlier this week. When he came to us with his concerns a review was done on Peter's case. You are no longer Peter's caseworker."
Thromby gaped at the other woman. "But he was lying!"
"Turns out that he wasn't," Arthurson said softly. "Come along Emily. Let us leave Dr. Stark to look after Peter." She turned to look at Tony with a smile on her face. "In the morning I shall call Peter's school and let them know that he will be staying home for a few days along with letting them know about the change in guardianship. I'll be back later in the week to check up on you all." Miss. Arthurson kept silent about Tony and Bucky being married as she knew her co-worker would go straight to the papers.
"Thank you, Miss. Arthurson," Tony shook the woman's hand. "I appreciate everything you've done for us."
"Any time Dr. Stark." Miss. Arthurson guided Thromby out of Tony's office and towards the elevators leaving Tony with his lawyers.
"How long do we have to wait before we can apply for adoption?" Tony asked his lawyers.
"Dr. Stark," one of the lawyers spoke up. "If I may suggest you wait a bit before starting the application process. Make sure this is what you and Sergeant Barnes want."
"How long," Tony demanded.
"Since you have decided to foster first," another lawyer told him. "It will probably take longer. In all honesty, I would expect it to take about two years. Give it a month, just to make sure that everyone is settling in properly and to get all the checks CPS will want to do out of the way. I will get the paperwork ready so all that will be needed are your signatures before I can file them."
"Thank you, Rick. I'm putting you in charge, as you seem to be the one who knows the most about this. I understand that most of my lawyers won't have any idea on how to navigate this process, so if you need to bring anyone else in that's fine, just make sure that Jarvis has done his background checks and they sign the necessary NDAs."
"Of course, Dr. Stark. We'll leave you to get young Master Parker settled. I shall keep Jarvis posted on my progress." After shaking Dr. Stark's hand Rick guided the rest of the law team out of the office.
"Congratulations Tony," Bruce clapped the man on his shoulder. "I'm happy for you. Now, I'm heading to my bed, and you should see Peter to his before you and Bucky find yours." Patting Tony on the shoulder again, Bruce headed for his floor.
In his office, Tony sighed and rubbed a hand over his face before heading for the elevator. Jarvis didn't bother waiting for his creator to tell him which level, he just sent the elevator to where Sergeant Barnes and Peter were waiting. Smiling Tony wrapped an arm around each of them as they entered the elevator. No one spoke until they were standing inside Peter's room.
"Thank you, for everything," Peter said softly. "I'm sorry for imposing on you. I'll be gone in the morning."
"I don't think so Underoos," Tony smiled at the boy. "You will be staying here from now on." Smiling at the confused look on Peter's face, Tony sat down on the edge of the bed. "Bucky and I applied to become your foster parents, and our application has been approved."
Peter looked between the two men in shock. "Wait, you mean that…"
"You're ours lómhar (precious one)," Bucky ruffled Peter's hair. "Now, it's been a long day and you're injured so get some sleep."
"There's no school for you tomorrow either," Tony added as he got off the bed. "Something about letting you settle in properly. We'll wait till after lunch before letting Harry and Steve know as they will come racing over to check on you." All three laughed at that knowing it was true. "Sleep now, questions tomorrow, after food. If you're in pain let Jarvis know and he'll contact Bruce," seeing the look on Peter's face Tony figured he wouldn't want to bother anyone, so he added. "If Jarvis detects that you are in pain then he will contact Bruce without telling you."
Bucky leaned down and gently tucked a pillow under Peter's broken arm and another beside the cast. "There, that should help keep the pressure off your arm. Get some sleep lómhar, we'll see you in the morning." Running his fingers through the boy's hair, Bucky kissed Peter's forehead before backing away towards the door.
Tony quickly took his husband's place by the boy's side. "He's right Underoos, sleep will help." Moving slowly, Tony pulled the blankets up, tucking the boy in. "Good night kiddo," Tony kissed the top of Peter's head and headed for his husband. Reaching the door he wrapped an arm around Bucky's waist, both men smiling at the boy. "Welcome home Peter."
There we go. Peter is safe now and there will be punishment in the future for the abusive ass, Tony and Bucky will see to that.
Let me know what you think.