Author's Note: Ahoy, mateys, and WELCOME BACK…to A Pirate's Life for Us! I know, I know it's been a while since I updated this story. Let me see…*checks date* August 20, 2022…yikes…okay…umm…I apologize for taking so long. I was busy with my other fics, and I didn't get around to updating this one until now. I was actually inspired to try to get this fic going again when it was nominated for Best AU in the Iron Dad Creator Awards, but I didn't get around to it unfortunately. Unfortunately, this story didn't win in that category, but I do want to say thank you to whoever nominated this story. I appreciate the support and love you have for this story. Anyway, I'm back with CHAPTER 6! And Peter…now must make a decision…stay with the pirates forever…or simply go like he and Tony agreed on. We shall see…but before we get to that…REVIEW REPLIES!
ilai: Thank you so much! I hope you continue to enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do NOT own anything related to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Chapter 6
Prompt: Lost/Bounty/Loyalty
A whole week had passed since Tony had given Peter his sword, and when he woke up that morning to tend to his duties, he felt sadness in his heart. The Quinjet was about a day or so away from the next port, where as a part of Tony and Peter's agreement, Peter would disembark and make a new life for himself. Initially, he was excited to have that chance to be free and to start over with the skills that his parents, aunt, and uncle taught him and the skills he had been learning from the Avengers, especially from Tony. However, as time went on, things began to change. His feelings began to change. He didn't want to leave Tony and the Avengers, but what would Tony think if he suddenly went back on their deal? With that thought in mind, he attached the sword to his side and went about his morning duties. He couldn't afford to think about his impending departure right now. He was still the Captain's cabin boy, and he needed to keep that up until they reached that port.
Peter managed to complete his morning duties…all the while trying to push his sadness down, and it wasn't long before Tony and the rest of the crew along with Pepper emerged onto the deck. The teenager felt the sadness tug at his heart even more so as he watched the captain emerge from his quarters, but he quickly turned his attention back to swabbing the deck trying to let anyone see the sadness on his face. However, little did he know, Rhodey already seemed to notice the cloud hanging over the boy.
Rhodey couldn't help but feel his heart break as he watched Peter silently swab the deck. Normally, Peter would be wishing everyone a good morning and talking to them. The first mate had noticed that Peter was doing that more recently…especially with Tony and Pepper. However, this morning was different. The cabin boy barely acknowledged them and only nodded at whoever wished him a good morning. Not only that, but…Tony normally would go out of his way to greet Peter in the morning as well. Instead, the captain stayed where he was with Pepper. He furrowed his eyebrows together feeling even more confused. Whatever was hanging over Peter's head was also hanging over Tony's, but what was it? He decided not to wait any longer and to get to the bottom of it, so he began to walk over to Peter…only to stop when Tony suddenly began speaking to the crew.
"Listen up," Tony said getting the crew's attention, "we'll be arriving at the next port in a day's time. I'm going to need inventory of what we have before then, so that we can get new supplies."
"I can take care of that, Captain," Bruce replied.
"Always knew I could trust you, Bruce," Tony said with a smile.
However, Rhodey could see right through his best friend's smile and saw the hint of sadness, and then he looked over at Peter, who was still working. Now, things were starting to make sense. They were a day's worth of travel away from the next port, and if he recalled correctly, that was where Peter was supposed to disembark…to go off on his own and to leave the crew…to leave Tony. That was the deal Tony and Peter made when they first found Peter as a stowaway. He sighed. It was clear what was happening now.
"Steve, stay on course," Tony suddenly said. "Everyone else, back to work."
"Aye-aye, Captain," they all said in unison.
"Aye-aye, Captain," Peter mumbled to himself.
Rhodey looked at Pepper as they made eye contact. He nodded to Peter and Tony hoping that she would pick up on what he was referring to. Thankfully, after she looked at the boy and her husband, she nodded clearly confirming that she would talk to Tony while he would talk to Peter. Rhodey smiled at her grateful that she was around. Pepper was one of the few people, who could get to Tony, aside from him.
Tony was just about to head back down toward his office when…a hand suddenly grabbed onto his stopping him from moving any further. He didn't even need to look to see that it was his wife, Pepper. Only she could make him submit to her with a simple touch.
"What's troubling you, my love?" she asked gently.
Tony furrowed his eyebrows together as he looked to his wife. "I-I don't know what you mean, Pepper," he said with a small smile.
"Tony…" Pepper replied in a tone that told Tony that she was not believing that there was nothing wrong.
The Captain sighed as he snuck a quick peek at Peter working on the deck before turning back to his wife. He then gestured with his head for her to follow him to somewhere they could talk privately. He should've known that he could never hide his feelings from her. She knew him too well.
So, he led his wife back to their quarters…completely missing a chance to see Rhodey walking over to Peter. As soon as Tony and Pepper got to his office, he quickly ushered her inside and closed the door behind them.
"What's wrong?" Pepper asked as he turned to face her.
"I-I didn't want anyone else to hear…" Tony began as he walked over to her, "but like I told the crew just now…we're about a day's journey away from the next port."
"Okay…yes, we all know that," Pepper replied feeling that there was more he wasn't telling her, "but I just don't see what the problem is. We've always stopped at ports."
"Well…when…when we found Peter stowing away," he began again wringing his hands together, "he and I made a deal that he would work until…we would reach the next port, and…and then he would be free to leave, remember? I just…I don't know…there's a part of me that worries for him…He has no family, and he'll be all alone without anyone to protect him." He took off his hat playing with the edges.
Pepper couldn't help but smile as she placed her hands on her heart hearing Tony talk like this about their cabin boy. For the past few months, she and the rest of the crew had been watching the Captain and the cabin boy, and it was easy to see that something was changing between them. They were growing closer throughout this journey on the sea. Tony took care of Peter when he had a bout of scurvy. Tony also took care of him when he became seasick. He taught Peter how to swordfight…how to run a ship…how to steer it out at sea. It was almost as if Tony and Peter were becoming that of a father and son, and now that they were about a day away from the next port, it couldn't be more obvious that that was what was happening between them. Tony didn't want Peter to leave, and neither did Peter from what she saw.
Pepper couldn't help but give her husband a sad smile. "I think it's more than just worrying about him, my love," she said gently. "You would miss him. You already miss him, and he hasn't even left yet. You don't want him to leave."
As usual, his beloved wife was right, and he saw that there was no point in denying it. Ever since Peter began working for them, he had grown to be quite fond of the boy and enjoyed the time he and Peter spent together…him teaching Peter how to swordfight…teaching Peter how to chart the stars…taking care of him when he was ill… It always left a warm feeling in his chest, and he welcomed that feeling when he saw Peter every day. Now, that was about to end as Peter was going to start his new life…just as they agreed all those months ago. Pepper really was right. He was going to miss the boy. He already missed him. He hated the idea of never seeing Peter again…the idea of Peter being alone again. "I—" he stopped sighing and shaking his head. "Y-You're right. I-I don't want him to leave. I'll…I'll miss him. I've…grown quite fond of him."
Pepper widened her smile. "Have you spoken to him?" she asked. "Have you…asked him to stay?"
"How can I possibly ask him that, Pepper?" Tony asked. "We…we made a deal."
"Simple," Pepper said with a shrug, "just ask him if he would be interested in staying with us instead of leaving."
"Okay, well, when you put it that way…" Tony retorted rolling his eyes. He sighed. "But what if I do ask and he sees it as me trying to force him to stay?"
"You can reassure him that it's his choice," Pepper said as she crossed her arms, "but I can guarantee he won't think that."
"How do you know that?" Tony asked curiously raising an eyebrow at his wife. "Have you spoken to him?"
"No, I haven't," Pepper replied as she walked up to him and gently fixed her husband's coat. "That's your job, but I have a feeling he will say yes. However, he won't unless you ask him. You're the adult. He's the boy. Take the initiative. You'll never know unless you ask."
Tony sighed shakily realizing that Pepper was right…again. There really was no harm in asking. He wasn't sure what led her to believe that Peter would agree to stay for good, but he appreciated the confidence. He knew what he had to do.
As soon as he watched Pepper take Tony inside, Rhodey then knew that he was in the clear to talk to Peter, who was still swabbing the deck. He was pretty sure that he was mopping the same spot for a while now, but he decided to just focus on the boy for now.
"Hey, Shark Bait," Rhodey said tapping Peter on the shoulder.
Peter jumped and turned around to face Rhodey allowing the first mate to see that he jolted the boy out of his thoughts. "Oh, Mr. Rhodes, sir," he said, "I-I'm sorry. I was just—"
"Hey, hey, easy, boy," Rhodey said holding his hand up to calm Peter down. "You're not in trouble. I just want to talk, that's all."
"Oh…oh, okay," Peter said breathing shakily, "a-about what?"
Rhodey gestured with his head for Peter to follow him to the bow of the ship, so that they could talk more privately. "Something's been eating at you all morning," he said. "Want to tell me what it is?"
Peter simply shrugged as he followed Rhodey to the front of the ship. "Nothing's eating at me, sir," he said trying to sound casual.
"You sure about that?" Rhodey quickly asked. "Because you were only swabbing that one spot on the deck for a while, and you've been very quiet all morning. What's going on, Shark Bait?"
Peter couldn't help but blush as he rubbed his arm feeling embarrassed that someone noticed his inner turmoil. He had to wonder if Tony noticed and asked Rhodey to check on him. "I'm…I'm just…" Peter sighed, "I'm just trying to figure out what I'm going to do with myself once we reach port. You know, Captain Stark and I made a deal that I would work with you all until then, and I thought that I had plenty of time to figure out what was going to come next. But it…kind of snuck up on me, so now, I'm…nervous about what's going to happen because I now only have a day to figure it out." He let out a deep breath hoping that that was convincing enough for Tony's first mate.
However, Rhodey could tell right away that it was more than feeling nervous about what would come next. There was a certain sadness that hung over the boy's head, and he had a feeling as to what it was. "Well, if you're that nervous," he began shrugging, "you could always ask Captain Stark to stay here…with us…with him forever."
Peter's brown eyes widened…almost as if Rhodey had given him some hope, but then it quickly disappeared as he shook his head. "No, no, I couldn't do that," he said. "Captain Stark and I made a deal when I first met you guys. I would work until we reach the next port. How could I just suddenly change it now? Wouldn't I be going back on my deal?"
"Things can change over the course of a few months," Rhodey said shrugging as he leaned on the banister. "It's…like being at sea. Weather can change. Tides can change. Courses need to be altered. Just ask him. The worst he can say is no, but I've known that man for years. I think he would be more than happy to have you stay with us. All you have to do is ask."
Peter thought about it and realized that Rhodey was right. Things had changed since the day he stowed away on the ship when running from Toomes. That day felt like such a long time ago. It had been quite some time since he had seen Edward…and Elizabeth. He couldn't help but wonder what they were up to now…if they missed him just as he missed them. Despite that, he could feel that things changed between him and the Captain of the Avengers, and whatever it was…he hated the idea of leaving that forever. Perhaps, there was a way he could convince Tony to forget about the deal. Perhaps, Rhodey was right in saying that Tony would be more than happy to allow him to stay with him and the rest of the crew. There was only one way to find out. He looked up at Rhodey and nodded. "Okay, you're right," he said. "I should ask. I'll ask him."
"Good," Rhodey said nodding with a smile. "I think you'll be very pleased with what he says."
"W-When should I do it?" Peter asked nervously.
Rhodey simply shrugged. "Why wait?" he asked. "You could just ask him now. I saw him go into his quarters. He should be there with Pepper."
"B-But what about-?"
"Shark Bait, relax," Rhodey interjected. "A little break won't hurt you. Go on."
Peter couldn't help but smile feeling the confidence grow inside him. He nodded. "Thank you, Rhodey," he said. He quickly handed the mop and bucket to the first mate before running toward Tony's quarters…not even bothering to pay attention to the questioning gazes from the other crew members or the smile from Pepper as she emerged.
"Why's Shark Bait in such a hurry?" Thor asked as he walked up to Rhodey.
"Don't worry," Rhodey simply said as he patted the blonde on the back. "We'll find out soon enough."
To say that Peter was nervous would be an understatement. His heart was pounding as he made his way toward the Captain's quarters, and yet he couldn't help but feel excited at the same time. He was going to do it. He was going to ask the captain if he could stay with the crew…forever, and he hoped…prayed that Tony would accept him. He was feeling positive based on what Rhodey told him, but he still couldn't help but wonder what would happen if Tony were to say no. However, he was so caught up in his nerves that he didn't see who was in front of him until he bumped into someone's chest. The boy took a step back and looked up only to see that he ran into the very person he was looking for.
"O-Oh, Captain Stark," Peter said as he blushed, "I'm sorry, sir, I-I didn't see you there. I-I was just coming to look for you."
"O-Oh…oh," Tony said scratching the back of his neck, "I-I was just…coming to look for you as well. Uhh…w-would you mind stepping into my quarters?"
"O-Of course, sir," Peter replied. With that, he followed Tony into his quarters.
"Have a seat," Tony said as he gestured for Peter to sit down in a chair in front of his desk. His heart pounded, and he prayed that Peter couldn't hear it.
Peter did as he was told and sat down in the chair while the captain sat across from him.
"I-I know you heard what I said…about us reaching the next port in a day or so," Tony finally said after a moment of silence.
"Yes, sir, I sure did," Peter said nodding. His own heart was pounding as he realized that Rhodey was in fact right. Tony wanted to talk about their deal as well, but he couldn't tell if it was to ask him to stay. "That's…that's actually what I wanted to talk to you about, too."
Tony felt his heart leap in his chest as he breathed shakily. Peter wanted to talk about their deal. Perhaps, there was hope. Perhaps, this was him asking to stay, but he needed to remain calm and continue to initiate just as Pepper said. "Oh good," he said nodding, "that's…that's good." He cleared his throat. "Umm…l-listen, Shark Bait, I—" He took another deep breath running a hand down his face, "God damn it…I need to just say it."
"Say what, sir?" Peter asked trying to hide the eagerness in his voice.
Tony took a deep breath. This was it. There was no turning back now. "I know that we said you would work until we reached this port and then you would go on your way," he began, "but…I guess…lately…I've…we've…the whole crew and I have come to really enjoy having you on board. And…we would hate to see you go, so…I don't know if there's anything keeping you from staying, but…we…I…would like to offer you a chance to stay with us…permanently…to stay with me…permanently."
Peter's brown eyes widened as his heart continued to pound. A smile splashed upon his face. Did he hear all that right? Was Tony really asking him to stay? Rhodey was in fact right. "Y-You mean it? You really want me to stay…with you…and the rest of the crew?"
"If you would like," Tony replied as he walked around his desk and leaned against it in front of Peter. "You know, I can continue to pay you or…not. It's up to you."
"Captain, I—" Peter suddenly stopped. His smile fell as he remembered why he was with the crew in the first place. He was a stowaway because he ran…from Toomes…and his men. It had been quite a few months since he had seen the man…since that day he left Elizabeth and Edward when they tried to help him escape, but…Toomes had mentioned multiple times that he had the means to track anyone who had wronged him and that it didn't matter where that person was. Toomes could track them down on land…or sea. What if he had spread the word about him or the Avengers? They were in the company of someone, who wronged Adrian Toomes. What if someone close to Toomes were to see him with Tony or Rhodey or Pepper? He could put the entire crew in grave danger. His heart broke as he realized what he needed to do after all. "T-Thank you, Captain Stark, but I-I'm good."
Tony furrowed his eyebrows together as his jaw dropped. "You're good?" he asked trying to hide how his blood ran cold. "Good—how are you good?"
Peter felt his heart break even more. He couldn't believe what he was doing…or what he was saying. He wanted as badly to tell Tony the real reason why he was saying "no," but he knew that Tony would try to stop him…to convince him that they could protect him. However, they shouldn't have to. He was just a boy they found stowing away on the ship. Why should they be obligated to protect him? "Well, it's just…" he began, "it's not that I didn't enjoy being out at sea, but I-I figured it's best for me to stay closer to land, you know? I can really start over, you know?"
"Are you turning me down?" Tony asked feeling his heart break even more. Was he truly hearing this? He was really believing that Peter would've accepted his offer. Why would Peter want to leave Tony…leave the crew behind and to be completely alone? "You better think about this, lad. Look at this ship,"
Peter looked around the captain's quarters trying not to let Tony's words sway him. He couldn't give in…not when there was a huge risk for Tony and the rest of the crew.
"…look at me…"
Tears welled in his eyes as he looked at Tony…the man who found it in his heart to give him a chance…to give him a job and a home. He couldn't believe that he was doing this. He wanted so badly to change his mind…to tell Tony that he changed his mind…to stay with them, but he couldn't give in.
"Last chance: yes or no?"
More tears formed in his eyes, but he refused to let Tony see them. "No." He hated that he was doing this, but…it was too late to turn back. He lost his chance, and now, he was past the point of no return.
"Okay," Tony simply said exhaling and maintaining his composure. He had to remain strong for the boy. The last thing he wanted was to guilt Peter into staying. No, he had to the right thing and let Peter go…no matter how much he wanted him to stay. "That was—I have to admit—a little unexpected, but…alright," he took a deep breath, "once we reach port, you'll be free to go. I…I hope you…find a good life for yourself, Peter."
"Thank you, though, Captain Stark," Peter replied keeping his voice steady, "for everything. I…I really hope you find that treasure." He hated that he wouldn't be there to see it. "Maybe…maybe…we'll—we'll see each other again someday." He wanted to believe that that was possible, but he knew it wasn't…not for pirates. He lost his chance to see them again.
"Maybe," Tony replied. However, he knew deep down he couldn't promise that for sure. However, he didn't want to raise the boy's hopes too high. Tony instead took another deep breath. "Well, since you're leaving, I…uh…I suppose I should give you this, he reached into a drawer behind him and took out a bag of gold holding it out to Peter, "as promised, so that you could have a little cushion in your next adventure."
Peter's brown eyes widened at the bag of gold. "Oh no," he said shaking his head, "sir, I couldn't."
"Yes, you could," Tony replied firmly. "It's a job. You worked hard. You earned it. Take it."
Realizing he had no choice, Peter took the bag into his hand. "Thank you, Captain Stark," he said as he held his hand out for Tony to shake.
Tony wasted no time in returning the gesture and shaking the boy's hand. "Thank you, Mr. Parker," he began, "for all your hard work. It won't be the same without you."
Before Tony could say or do anything else, Peter stood up and practically threw himself at the Captain hugging him tightly around the middle. Tony froze clearly unsure as to what to do or how to respond, but before he could, Peter quickly pulled away and ran out of the office leaving the captain stunned at the display of affection. The boy made his way down to his quarters, and once he was sure he was alone and the money was placed under the pillow, he knelt to the ground and wept trying to convince himself that he was doing the right thing.
Needless to say, Rhodey was completely and utterly stunned when neither the cabin boy nor the captain made any sort of announcement that Peter was staying that night. He would've thought that Tony would've been shouting it from the mast or that Peter would've been cheering and screaming at the top of his lungs. Instead, he caught a brief sighting of Peter practically running from the captain's quarters all the way to the crew's quarters looking like he was about to be seasick again. Then he emerged from the crew's quarters again with his eyes looking red, which only stunned and confused Rhodey even more. However, he didn't even have a chance to ask Peter what happened as the boy quickly went back to work. He wanted to ask Tony, but the captain did not appear to be in the mood. He appeared to be removed and aloof, which disturbed the first mate even more. He wanted to ask Pepper, but…he didn't have the opportunity.
It wasn't until supper later that day that he finally understood. They all sat around the fire, and everyone clearly noticed the deafening silence from the cabin boy and the captain. Before anyone could ask what was happening, Tony suddenly stood up clearing his throat. "I'd like to propose a toast," he said, "to our Shark Bait."
That made Peter stop and look up at Tony and the rest of the crew.
"Shark Bait…is going to be leaving us tomorrow," Tony continued, "to make a new life for himself…"
The entire crew including Rhodey looked at Peter in an even more stunned silence. Rhodey felt his stomach drop hearing this as he stared at the boy.
Peter could feel it and did everything in his power to avoid making any kind of eye contact with him or practically anyone in the crew. He couldn't let anyone see the tears in his eyes. Instead, he kept his eyes on the food in his lap.
"I think we should give him a proper pirate goodbye and wish him lots of luck on his new journey," Tony continued. "Good luck to you, Shark Bait, and thank you for all the hard work you did here."
"Here, here," the crew, Pepper, and Happy said in unison as they raised their mugs to Peter.
Peter managed a small smile and nod as he raised his mug in return. "Thank you, everyone," he said quietly. "I will miss you all, and I hope I'll get to see you all again one day. And I wish you luck in finding the treasure."
"Wish you were coming with us," Rhodey said patting him on the shoulder.
"Yeah…" Peter said quietly shifting in his seat.
The Quinjet was not too far from port as the sun peaked over the horizon…much to Peter's dismay. He managed to wake up earlier that morning…mostly because he couldn't sleep the night before, and he went through what had been his routine for the past few months…for the last time. He laid out Tony's uniform for him, lit the oil lamp in the captain's quarters, and went down to help Happy in the galley. Thankfully, Happy didn't ask any questions, and Peter preferred it that way.
"So, what do you think is next for you?" Happy suddenly asked as Peter peeled the potatoes for the day's meals.
Peter briefly closed his eyes trying to steel himself. "Umm…I-I'm not sure to be honest," he said as he continued to peel. "I mean, I want to get a job first. Maybe stay in the town for a bit and then move on once I have enough money."
Happy nodded. "I guess I'm just surprised," he said. "It seemed you really enjoyed being out here with us."
"Oh, I did," Peter said with a smile. "It's just…I would rather stay close to land, you know?"
Happy could only nod as they both went back to work.
Once the morning duties were done, Steve brought the ship to port, and Peter knew that that was his cue to leave. He made sure everything was put away, and then he ran down to his quarters…to grab his things. He gathered his money from Tony, then his goods from Elizabeth, and then some food that Happy set aside for him earlier that morning. He gathered everything into his knapsack and sheathed his sword at his side. Then he made his way onto the deck. Sure enough, the crew was there waiting for him. Even Pepper and Happy waited with them.
Peter couldn't help but smile as he walked over to them. He took a deep breath looking at them. "Thanks for everything, you guys," he said. "I'll never forget any of you."
"We won't forget you either, Peter," Pepper said placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Especially not…" Rhodey began before trailing off looking behind the boy.
Peter looked over his shoulder in Rhodey's direction only to see…Tony looking down on them from where he stood at the helm. He could see Tony smiling at him and nodding, and as he felt the tears forming in his eyes, he smiled and nodded in return. He still wasn't sure what made him hug Tony the day before, but it didn't matter. There were no hard feelings between them, and that made Peter feel at ease. He was protecting the one person he was going to miss most of all, and they were parting on good terms. He sighed before turning back to Rhodey. "I'll miss you guys, too," he said before making his way through the crew toward the gangplank quickly wiping away a tear that slid down his cheek. He hated that this was happening, but he knew that it was the only way to keep them all safe from Toomes and his men. He knew that the crew was going to stick around, so he was going to make sure he found a job deep in town so that he didn't have to watch them leave. He nodded to himself as he walked down the gangplank. He was doing the right thing.
Tony took a deep breath as he watched Peter walk away from the crew…away from him…and down the gangplank. It didn't take long for the boy to disappear as he walked deep into the town. It hurt that he couldn't give Peter a proper goodbye, but he knew that if he did, he wouldn't have let the boy go. He would've tried to convince him to stay, and that wouldn't have been right of him to do so. Peter wished to go, so he had to allow him to do what he wanted…no matter how much it broke his heart to see the boy go. Once Peter disappeared, he walked down to his crew.
"Alright, no more lollygagging," Tony said getting everyone's attention. "Shark Bait's gone. Nothing we can do about that. We have treasure to find, and I don't want to stay here too long. Bruce, Happy, I want that inventory. Let's see what we need to buy. I want to leave dock by high noon."
"Aye, aye, Captain," Bruce and Happy said in unison before going below deck.
Everyone else disappeared as Tony dismissed them once he told Steve to continue to work on plotting their next course. However, Tony quickly noticed that Pepper and Rhodey stayed with him where they stood.
"Captain…if I may…" Rhodey asked carefully, "what happened?"
"What do you mean, Rhodes?" Tony retorted. "It's obvious what happened. I offered the boy a chance to stay with us permanently, but he turned it down. He wants to stay closer to land."
"Tony…I-I don't know what he told you or what was said between you both," Rhodey continued carefully, "but…that's not what he told me yesterday."
Tony looked at Rhodey as if he had grown an extra head as he furrowed his eyebrows together. "What are you talking about?" he asked.
Rhodey quickly looked at Pepper, who nodded urging him to tell Tony about his conversation with the boy. Then, he looked back at his captain. He had to make this right somehow.
Peter wandered through the town looking around for any sign that someone was looking to hire someone. He knew the Avengers would be going into town shortly to gather supplies, so he hoped to find something deep into the town. He didn't want to see the ship leaving, so he kept on walking. However, that was when he saw something out of the corner of his eye. The boy turned to his right and saw a board with dozens of parchments nailed to it, and he couldn't help but smile to himself. He remembered seeing a board like the one in his hometown. Announcements, decrees…and…job listings were nailed to it for people to find, and that was when Peter realized that his prayers were answered.
He made his way over to the board scanning it for any job listings, and thankfully, there seemed to be a few potential jobs…fishermen…stall cleaner at a horse stable…a cobbler's assistant…shipbuilder…However, he stopped when he saw one parchment that made his heart skip a beat. It was a sketching of him…and he read…
WANTED
Peter Parker
For Thieving Against The Vulture
Dead or Alive
Reward: 5,000 Doubloons
Peter's heart began to pound as he stared at the wanted poster…his wanted poster. His fears were true. Toomes had set out to find him…even after being away for months. How word traveled so fast…Peter didn't care. All he knew was that Toomes had posted a bounty on his head…and he began to breathe heavily as he looked around frantically for any signs of Toomes or his men or anyone who wanted to get rich…at his expense. He needed to leave. He had to run, but where would he go? Could he even find somewhere Toomes wouldn't think to look for him? However, before he could do anything else…
"GET HIM!"
He felt a huge weight push against him forcing him to the ground. However, it didn't take him long to figure out that whoever tackled him pinned his hands behind his back rather roughly. Unfortunately, his head met the cobblestone, and he was seeing stars as he heard voices above him.
"Well, well, look at what we've got here. Toomes' little thief comes out of hiding…"
No…no…this couldn't be happening. He had to run, but his head hurt so bad. Not only that, but he couldn't move as he felt the rope being tied behind his back.
"Let's just hope that he actually comes through with that bounty…"
"No…no…please," Peter tried to say…
"Shut up, you runt…"
"Captain Stark…please help me…" Then everything went black.
"Rhodey, you better tell me what's going on here," Tony said sternly.
"Yesterday, I spoke to the boy because I saw how downtrodden he looked," Rhodey replied immediately, "while Pepper went to talk to you."
Tony quickly looked at Pepper and then back at Rhodey. "Go on," he said.
"At first, he told me that he was nervous about what he was going to do first when he left the ship," Rhodey continued. "I knew he was lying because of the way his eyes widened when I suggested that he could ask you if he could stay. He was nervous about changing some deal you both made, but I told him things change and that he should just ask you to forget about that deal and to let him stay. That sparked something in him because he practically ran in to find you. After you talked, he came back looking like his word had ended."
The captain widened his eyes as he furrowed his eyebrows together thinking back on his conversation with Peter…how he asked him to stay permanently…how Peter practically lit up at first…but then seemed to falter…how he hugged him before running back out… Was the boy about to say "yes?" Did he change his mind? "B-But…he told me that he…wanted to stay closer to land… He… W-Why would he tell you that but then refuse?" he asked.
"With all due respect, sir, there's only one soul, who could answer that question," Rhodey simply said, "and he just left the ship. You better find him."
Tony looked at Rhodey and then back at Pepper again. His wife nodded, and then he realized that they were right. Something was amiss, and he needed to find out what. He needed to find Peter. The boy clearly wanted to stay, but something was holding him back. He needed to find out what that was. He needed to get his cabin boy back, so…he ran off the ship leaving his wife and crew behind…and right into town. As soon as he arrived in town, he looked around frantically for any sign of Peter, but so far, he was having no luck. How could someone so small move so quickly? He outran Toomes, and now, he had managed to evade him. However, Tony refused to give up. He had to find Peter.
Then he saw something out of the corner of his eye, and he stopped. There was a board covered with parchments nailed to it, and when he saw one parchment in particular…he got a closer look. His brown eyes widened. It was a wanted poster…for Peter…with a bounty, and Tony felt his heart pound. When he read Toomes' alias on the poster, it didn't take long to figure out that Toomes hadn't given up on searching for Peter. Peter was in grave danger and probably wasn't even aware of it as he was wandering around town looking for a job. He wouldn't be able to find Peter at this rate, and…there was only…one other way to find him. With that, he ran back to the ship with the poster in hand.
As soon as he got back to the ship, the crew and Pepper could easily see that he was distressed and out of breath…and Peter still wasn't with him.
"Tony, my love, what's wrong?" Pepper asked as she stopped toward her husband.
He held up the parchment in his hand. "Mateys, we have a problem," he said. "Toomes has put a bounty on Peter's head."
"What?" they asked in unison.
"We need to find Shark Bait and fast," Tony said sternly. "We need to spread out, find him, and bring him back here. Move!"
The Avengers wasted no time and dropped whatever they were doing to follow their captain's orders.
Fists made contact with his face, and feet kicked him in the stomach. Peter begged…pleaded for it to stop, but his words and tears fell on deaf ears. He would've grabbed the sword Tony gave him, but it was hard to do that when his hands were bounded behind his back. Next thing he knew, he felt the ropes come loose, and then his body landed on the cold, hard ground. Finally, he heard the slamming of a door behind him. Peter could hear laughing, but he couldn't even sit up to turn around to look as to who it was. His body ached and throbbed from the beatings, and he wondered if he could just go to sleep to ease the pain. However, before he could even close his eyes, he felt someone picking him up and guiding him to sit down somewhere.
"Captain Stark…?" he slurred as he tried to blink the dizziness away.
"No, sorry, lad," a voice said.
Peter looked around once he managed to come to and saw that it wasn't Tony who helped him, but three men, who appeared to be older than Tony. They looked at him sympathetically with smiles. That was then he remembered. He left the Avengers…He left Tony, and now the Avengers were probably getting ready to set sail again thinking that Peter was looking for a job somewhere in town. That was clearly not the case… He looked around seeing that he was in a holding cell, and if that wanted poster was any indication, he was being held until someone could take him back to Toomes. There was no possibility that Tony would figure out where he was in time. He left because as far as Tony knew, he wanted to start over on land. He really was utterly and completely alone.
"There you go, lad," one of the men said jolting Peter out of his thoughts.
Peter looked in time to see him wrap a blanket around his shoulders.
"You could catch your death," another prisoner said.
"Th-Thank you…you fellas are very kind," Peter said as he pulled the blanket closer to his body. However, he couldn't help but hope against hope that…somehow…some way…Tony would come for him.
"Captain Stark…please…help me…" Peter thought to himself.
Tony and the rest of the crew searched the town for the next couple of hours while Pepper and Happy agreed to stay behind on the ship just in case Peter came back. However, as they searched high and low, there was no sign of the boy anywhere. Tony's heart never ceased pounding since he found the poster, and he knew it wouldn't stop until the boy he had come to care about over the past few months or so. He prayed that his crew had more luck than he did, but when he met them in the town square, his heart dropped to his stomach when he saw their crestfallen faces…and no Peter.
"I'm sorry, Captain," Steve said sadly. "We've looked everywhere. We couldn't find him."
"Damn it…" Tony said as he ran a hand through his hair. "The boy is scrawny. How could he have possibly gotten so far from the town? I—" That was when an idea came to him, and he looked again at Peter's wanted poster crumpled in his hand. What if Peter didn't leave the town…because someone else found him? "Did anyone check the jailhouse?"
Back at the jailhouse, Peter could only sit hugging his knees to his chest waiting for the inevitable. It's been a few hours since he was thrown in the cell with the nice men, and there was no indication that Tony or any of the other Avengers were coming for him. He couldn't have been surprised if they already set sail under the impression that he was searching for a new life. He was alone and was surely going to be sent back to Toomes once he got word that someone found the thief. However, he was jolted out of his thoughts when the door to the jailhouse opened, but he didn't bother to look up.
"Blimey…" he heard one of his inmates say clearly shocked at whoever just walked in.
"By God…y-you're…you're…" Peter heard the warden say.
"Captain Tony Stark, I know," a new voice…a very familiar voice to Peter suddenly said causing Peter to suddenly look up gasping.
Thankfully, the warden and his inmates seeing the captain was proof that Peter wasn't hallucinating. It really was Captain Tony Stark in the flesh. However, Peter couldn't help but wonder why he was here in the first place. Neither of the crew members were here with him.
"W-What are you doing here?" the warden replied.
"Well, actually, I'm here on a little business venture before my crew and I head out on our biggest treasure hunt yet," Tony said casually as he leaned on the warden's desk. "You see, my friend Adrian Toomes…you know…the Vulture has sent me on a bounty hunt for this boy…who robbed him a few months ago, and when I got into town today, I found," he took out the wanted poster and showed it to the warden, "this. So, I was wondering if maybe you've seen him. I mean, if it means I get to be a little richer, then of course, I'll gladly drag him back."
"O-Oh, yes…yes, I've seen him," the Warden replied. "In fact, my men and I found him and brought him in. He's over there in the cell."
Tony looked to his left, and sure enough, there was Peter in the cell with three other men. His jaw dropped when he saw the cuts and bruises on Peter's face, but he maintained all composure to not let on that they knew each other. Peter seemed to receive his silent message to play along with Tony's charade, and he dared not to speak. He simply stared at the captain with widened brown eyes…the very same eyes Tony didn't think he would ever see again. He then turned back to the warden.
"Great, well, why don't I just take him off your hands then?" Tony said maintaining all composure. "My crew and I can get him back to Toomes."
"Oh, but I just sent my men to—"
"Don't fret about it," Tony quickly interjected. "It's no trouble. We'll split the bounty." He then slowly placed his hand on his sword ready to fight.
Thankfully, the warden saw this and nodded. "Yes, of course, Captain," he said. "I will let him out."
"Good man," Tony said nodding with a smirk.
He watched as the warden unlocked the door and practically dragged Peter out of the cell tying him up by his hands behind his back. Then he pushed Peter toward Tony causing him to stumble slightly. Tony could only grab him by the shoulder squeezing it silently telling the boy to play along. "Thank you," he said. "I know Toomes will appreciate your efforts. I believe he's had a few stolen goods on him?"
The warden knew what he was referring to and immediately took out Peter's sword and his knapsack containing his bag of gold and the goods Elizabeth gave him, and Tony immediately grabbed them and pulled Peter out the door. "Let's go, boy," he said.
As soon as they left the jailhouse, Tony quickly ushered Peter away from there. They silently agreed to wait until they found a private place to talk, so they walked past curious eyes toward the dock and ducked into the alley. Once they were alone in the dark alley, Tony wasted no time in using his sword to cut the ropes freeing Peter from his restraints.
"Are you alright, Shark Bait?" Tony asked quickly grabbing Peter by the shoulders.
"Y-Yeah…" Peter said staring at the captain with his brown eyes widened in shock, "but…Captain…w-what are you…How did you…?"
"I talked to Rhodey after you left," Tony said as he scanned Peter's face eyeing the cuts and bruises on his face. "He told me what you told him, and…it shivered my timbers. So, I ran into town to try to find you, and then I found the wanted poster. We searched for you everywhere…until I found you in jail."
"Oh…" Peter said as he scratched the back of his neck awkwardly looking up at Tony. There was no doubt about it. Tony clearly figured out the truth after talking to Rhodey…the one person he was honest with.
Tony sighed. "Peter, if you wanted to stay," he began, "w-why didn't you accept my offer?"
It was Peter's turn to sigh. "I was going to," he said, "but…then I thought about my whole situation with Toomes…and I knew that if I ever got caught, then…you would get in trouble too for not reporting me. And I didn't want you guys to get in trouble because of me. So…I figured it was best for everyone if I just…distanced myself."
Tony couldn't help but smile at the boy, and he couldn't help but kick himself mentally for not seeing through Peter's façade earlier. Of course, Peter was worried about his past with Toomes would impact the safety of the crew. It already explained so much about that sudden shift he had when he first offered for Peter to stay. He shook his head fondly at the boy. Then he sighed. "Peter, come here," he said as he gently guided the boy to sit with him on some crates in the alley. "You must understand, laddie, the crew and I were not just a crew or a band of pirates. We're a team…a family. We look out for each other and protect each other…including you."
Peter looked at Tony in astonishment hearing what he said…how he and the crew were willing to protect him…a stowaway they met a few months ago.
"So, if Toomes or whoever even tries to lay a finger on you, you can bet your booty that we're going to be there to protect you…that I'm going to be there to protect you…no matter what. That's loyalty, and as pirates, we take that loyalty very seriously."
"But why? I'm just this boy you found stowing away on your ship. Why would you protect me?"
"Because…because…" Tony realized that he had to tell him how he felt about the boy. If he wanted Peter to stay with him, then he needed to be honest, "uhh…well, because we…we really care about you, Shark Bait. I…care about you…a lot."
Peter widened his eyes even more feeling the warmth swell in his chest, and he couldn't help but smile. "I-I care about you too, sir," he found himself saying before he could even stop himself. "That's why I left. I wanted to protect you."
"I know," Tony said smiling and nodding, "but perhaps…we put each other's mind at ease and stick together…so that we can protect each other…be loyal to each other."
"We could," Peter said raising an eyebrow at the captain, "but that would mean I would stay with you guys. Do you really want me to?"
"Well, I know my answer to that," Tony replied simply. "Do you really want to?"
Peter smiled. This was it. This was second chance he had been praying for, and he refused to lose it again. "I would really like that," he said.
Tony smiled in return. "So do I," he said. "I missed you as soon as you left, Shark Bait."
"I missed you too, Captain," Peter said.
Without any hesitation, Peter reached out and wrapped his arms around Tony's middle hugging him tightly, and Tony wasted no time in returning the gesture hugging the boy…his boy.
"Come on," Tony said after they pulled away, "we should get back. We need to gather supplies and get going while the tides are good."
Peter smiled even wider and nodded. "I do have to ask, Captain," he said as they began walking back, "do you really plan on returning me to Toomes?"
Tony was able to tell that the boy was joking, so he chuckled as he wrapped an arm around Peter holding him close. "Never," he said, "you're stuck with us, Shark Bait."
"I wouldn't have it any other way," he said. For the first time in a long time, Peter felt that he found somewhere he truly belonged, and he promised himself that he was never letting it slip through his fingers ever again.
Author's Note: Annnnnnnnnnnd that's a wrap on CHAPTER 6, boys and girls! It feels so good to be back at it with this story! I hope you all enjoyed it! We now have 5 more chapters left. So up next is….CHAPTER 7, and Peter learns more about Tony's past! I hope you all enjoy it! Thanks again to the amazing reader, who nominated this story for the Iron Dad Creator Awards! Really appreciate it, and I promise that the next chapter won't take a whole year to come out. Don't forget to leave a review! Thanks, guys!