In the heart of the transparent office within the control room, Tony leaned against the table, engrossed in a phone conversation with Ross.
Even though he believed he was done with it all, the timeless saying proved itself once more: once an Avenger, always an Avenger. Because here he is supervising the greatest team in the world in cleaning up their shit when they shouldn't be making a mess of it in the first place.
He can't help but roll his eyes while answering Ross's questions. Who's going to clean up the mess in Romania? When will the Avengers sign the accords?
"Give them consequences or else they should be prosecuted for colluding with a murderer." Secretary Ross demanded.
Tony clenched his fist. He used to disdain authority, and that sentiment still remains. He doesn't want to be ordered around, especially by the government. However, lately, it seems they have been incessantly badgering him, particularly with The Avengers consistently adding fuel to the fire.
Tony has known his team well for years now to give the benefit of the doubt. He's sure Steve wouldn't go to Romania without reason and he's still willing to hear it but he also needs to stop the government from eyeballing them all the time. The call ended with him satisfying Ross with consequences even though he knew he needed to assess the situation first.
The rest of the day consisted of meetings. T'Challa discussed his desire to have Barnes in a Wakandan Prison, and Deputy Commander Everett Ross explained the proceedings. Later that day, Tony found himself alone with Steve in the control room office. He clicked on his glasses and instructed Friday to scan the room and secure it from any audio and video recordings.
"Are you here to convince me to sign the accords?" Steve asked as Tony sat down next to him.
Tony tilted his head as if saying no, "I already retracted my signature without them knowing, yet."
The Accords have one regulation that now deeply clashes with Tony's views. This particular regulation pertains to vigilante activities. If someone is deemed a threat to the public, they may be detained indefinitely without a trial. Tony finds himself in a difficult position, especially since the vigilante he deeply cares about is none other than his son. Under no circumstances should Peter be subjected to that kind of treatment.
In hindsight, Tony regrets signing the Accords without knowing earlier that Peter is Spider-Man. As much as he dislikes admitting it, Steve is right—the Accords infringe on their basic human rights and threaten to strip away any semblance of a normal life.
Steve's face lifted, "Now, now. I'd never thought you'd say that Tony. Why?"
"Peter."
Steve was confused at first then realization dawned on him, the masked vigilante they saw on New York local news and events on DC, "I had a hunch but, he's Spiderman?"
Tony nodded with no choice, "He's in his rebellious phase."
"Wow. I guess we'll have an Iron-Spider duo in the team now." Steve smiled genuinely, "He got a heart for the people, Tony. He got it from you."
Tony smiled relieving Peter's heroics, Steve paused before asking, "Is Pepper here?"
"No, she's helping Peter at his homecoming party," Tony showed a picture from his phone he received minutes ago from Pepper. It's Peter and MJ posing together side-by-side, "which I should be doing, but I'm here. Fixing this mess. Fixing your mess of going to Romania and being arrested for obstruction of justice. I know he's your friend, Cap. But you don't have to go that far."
Steve complimented the picture but then his face sombered thinking back to his oldest friend, "I'm sorry, Tony. If I see a situation pointed south I can't ignore it. Sometimes I wish I could."
A subtle curve appeared on Tony's lip, reminiscent of the ideology that echoed Peter's. Always striving to help, consistently committed to doing what's right.
Steve continued, "He was being framed. He was starting anew in Romania. He wasn't in Vienna. He didn't do anything wrong."
"Nevertheless, he's still a criminal."
Steve tried to convince, "He's not his own mind when killing people. He has no control over his actions."
Tony stayed silent for a moment, pondering if he should believe any of it,
"So you're saying he's brainwashed?"
"Yes. I don't know how Hydra did it and I don't know why he's being framed right now. But that's what we need to figure out.
Steve tapped the table tensely with his fingers before saying, "Tony, I also need to tell you something."
Steve had thought it could wait much longer. He had been burying this secret for years, but it was about time he finally said it. He had hoped to spare Tony, his teammate and friend over the years, from reliving the pain of the past–- probably one of the greatest pains in Tony's life. However, over time, he realized he wasn't really sparing Tony. He was sparing himself. Choosing not to disclose it could lead to unforeseen consequences, a potential ticking time bomb, as Natasha had often cautioned.
In the silence, Tony patiently awaited Steve's words, but as seconds passed, all he received in return was Steve's unwavering stare, "C'mon Cap, let's hear it. I know you have all day, but I don't."
"Since exposing Hydra years ago, we also uncovered some information regarding Bucky. Natasha uploaded it on the internet. Have you had a chance to read it?"
Tony combed through those files, but only the ones regarding Mary Parker, for the safety of his son. "I'm aware, but I did not comb through all of it, only the ones that pertain to the mother of my child. Besides, that's billions of pieces of information I have no interest in going through one by one. Where is this going, Cap?"
Steve took a deep breath before speaking, "Among the names that Bucky assassinated were Maria and Howard Stark." His next words were muffled against Tony's ear, "I know I should have said it sooner. I guess I was just hoping to spare you the pain, but I realized I was only sparing myself. I'm sorry for keeping this from you, Tony. I truly am."
Maria and Howard Stark, assassinated. Five words that echoed relentlessly in Tony's senses— the only words that resonated with him. Grief churned within him, gripping his heart. He slammed the table with his fist before rising from his seat, attempting to regain composure.
Anger surged through him, the kind of anger that could lead him to kill Bucky, who was only floors away. Yet, he reminded himself that the assassin was already securely locked up.
Steve stood as well, "I'm sorry, Tony. I know Bucky should atone for his sins."
"Damn right, he should." Tony snapped.
"But he doesn't have to be locked up for something he didn't do."
"I say that's where he belongs now. It's what he deserved for what he did to my parents. He killed my mom, Rogers."
He swallowed the tears forming in his throat before facing Steve, "Do you have any more secret you'd like to disclose? Or are we done here?"
Steve's gaze dropped in remorse, "I'm really sorry, Tony."
They allowed each other a moment of silence. Steve realized that the amount of time he had kept it a secret, hoping to spare Tony, didn't even matter anymore. He had still hurt his friend in the process, regardless of the outcome. He wished it didn't have to happen, hoping that his oldest friend wouldn't have to be manipulated at all so that countless lives could still be saved.
Once he sensed that Tony had somehow calmed down, he introduced a new topic that he believed they should prioritize more, "We still need to discuss how to abolish the accords. Our freedom is at stake. Not just being The Avengers but our personal lives as well."
"Don't you think I know that? Don't you think I don't want the government, especially ruthless Ross, up our fucking asses all the time, with or without the Accords? The reason I signed the Accords is to keep this team together because, at least, we would still be a functioning unit. We could still prepare if the worst comes, despite the sanctions."
Tony sat with an elbow on the table, propping his head on his hand, deep in thought. "I've been trying, thinking of ways we can repeal it and still keep the team together, pursuing the same goal."
Steve's eyes softened as he reflected on how the Avengers weren't merely a team of superheroes, they had already become a family.
"We'll get through this... together."
Tony only glanced at Steve. Although he had heard that one before, doubt still clouded his judgment about whether he should put all of his trust in it.
"The only way I believe this can work is if the most powerful country in the world withdraws from the Accords; then, the rest will follow like dominos. Unfortunately, it's the US in our case, so there's no chance of that ever happening unless—" Tony's thoughts triggered a conversation about nanotechnology he had with Shuri. During their discussion, she brought up her brother's suit, recently revealed as the Black Panther. How could they possess such advanced technology when Wakanda is commonly perceived as a third-world country?
"Unless?" Steve asked, waiting for Tony to continue.
A knock came from outside. Tony clicked on the controller positioned on the table, which promptly opened the door. "Mr. Stark, Commander Everett says that they have commenced the interrogation. He asked if you would like to join them."
"We'll talk later." He informed Steve before exiting the room.
Tony couldn't help but clench his fist while looking at Barnes on the control room screen as the interrogation began. Vengeance was making its way into his head, and he was trying to push past it. The death of his parents had wrecked something in him, pushing him onto a dark path of alcohol and recklessness that only came to a stop when Peter entered his life.
Shortly after commencing, an unforeseen blackout swept in out of nowhere, robbing them of sight on the screens.
Tony clicked on his glasses to activate his AI, "Friday, give me a source on that outage."
He glanced at the office behind him and sure enough, Steve wasn't on it anymore.
"Please tell me you brought your suit," Natasha said as they hurried outside.
"I definitely did." If there's one thing he has learned from his past incidents, it is always to be prepared. Even in seemingly ordinary situations, such as arguing with Pepper in his living room in Malibu, dangerous things can happen, and he isn't leaving it up to chance.
"Well, where is it?" Natasha asked as if already expecting Tony to be in a suit.
"It's in my chopper at the landing pad."
Natasha gave an incredulous look. "Your chopper?"
Tony recognized it as an inconvenience. He should have his suit somewhere accessible, always within reach, rather than stored in a briefcase where he could misplace it or in a compartment in his chopper.
"I'll see you later," Tony said as they went in different directions. Natasha was heading to the floor where Barnes was supposed to still be confined, while Tony rushed upstairs to the rooftop since the elevator wasn't working. Once he reached it, he pressed on the metal compartment containing his suit, and it assembled all over him in a matter of seconds.
He located every heat signature and observed Cap recovering from the elevators, Sam chasing someone, and Natasha on the verge of being suffocated at the neck. However, T'Challa intervened just in time, saving Natasha and taking over the fight against Barnes. T'Challa skillfully threw punches, but Barnes effortlessly deflected each one and ultimately tossed T'Challa out of a window.
"Hey, Terminator."
Tony captured Barnes's attention.
Barnes gave Iron Man a penetrating look as if he could see through his armour. If Tony hadn't been so angry at the moment, that look would have sent shivers down his spine. Barnes's eyes appeared soulless. The figure in front of Tony was no longer Barnes; it was the Winter Soldier, the merciless assassin who left a trail of bodies in his wake.
Barnes wasted no time and initiated the attack. Tony swiftly caught his metal arm and threw him onto the concrete wall of the room, shattering the corner into pieces.
Before Barnes could recover, Tony blasted a beam aimed at Barnes's head, which the latter defended with his metal arm. Following Barnes's attempt to regain composure, Tony's hand was captured and crushed against his arm. However, before the armour could be crushed completely, Tony pulled him away with another blast from his chest, hurling Barnes a few feet away.
Barnes groaned, prompting Tony to seize him by the collar and pummel a barrage of punches, alternating between left and right with relentless force.
"Iron Man, that's enough," Steve stated, reaching them.
"You said he's brainwashed. Then we need him unconscious. Let me have this, Cap. Stay out of it." Tony said through gritted teeth.
Vengeance had consumed him. The loss of his parents and the denial of reconciliation were the only thoughts racing through his mind.
Steve could only watch as Iron Man punched as if attempting to puncture a hole through Barnes's skull.
"Boss, you have an incoming call from Peter." Friday chimed in. Peter's face displayed on his screen, and that's where Tony stopped.
He backed away from the knocked-out soldier, "Tell him I'll call him back, Fri."
"Go. Get him out of here," he said, heaving heavy breaths. Once again, Peter had saved him from the bottomless pit of darkness.
Steve gave him an apologetic look before he and Sam assisted the unconscious Barnes to his feet. "Thanks, Tony. We'll be in touch."
Moments later, as all the cameras weren't working, fortunately, no one saw where Steve, Bucky, and Sam went, and no one witnessed how Iron Man let them go.
Tony was nursing his hand when he received a call from an unknown number. How could an unknown number be calling him? Regardless, he decided to answer it.
"Oh thank goodness, Mr. Stark. This is MJ."
"MJ?"
"Peter's date here at the homecoming. We actually don't have your number. Ned just found it in the servers, anyway—
Oh no, don't tell him, "Peter's trying to get a hold of you earlier to stop moving day since he said Mr. Hogan won't listen. He's sure that it's going to be hijacked. He went away to try and stop the mastermind of that syndicate. We think he's in danger."
Tony stood up and wasted no time. He suited up and flew from the site.
"How long was it since he went there?"
"It's about fifteen minutes ago now, Sir."
"Thank you for telling me, MJ. Thank Ned as well. I'm on my way." Tony said.
"Thank you, Sir,"
Swiftly following the end of the call, he directed his question, "Friday, how fast can we go from here to Peter's location?"
"It's 50 minutes at your normal Mach 5 speed, boss. We lost the tracker signal five minutes ago in Brooklyn Industrial Center. We also cannot reach his phone."
"Okay, let's put more juice on our thrusters and let's make that duration in half. Call Happy."
He snapped as Happy answered the call. "Goddamn it, Hap."
"What— What'd I do, boss?" Alarm evident in Happy's voice.
"You should've listened to Peter. Stop the moving. Did it already take off?"
"It's already on course. I can see in here it's smooth sailing passing Jersey. I'm so sorry, boss. What can I do?"
"If Peter's right, then that jailbird might've put a decoy to steal the jet. Contact the air tech and find a way to locate the real jet. Dispatch a team in Brooklyn Industrial Center to search for Peter. Don't stop until someone tells me they have found him. Is that clear?"
"Right away, boss."
His screen displayed a countdown, showing 30 minutes until he would reach New York. Anxiety coursed through him as each minute passed. Questions circled in his mind on repeat.
Why had his son plunged into danger again, even without the suit on? What was Peter even thinking? Where was Peter now? Was his son even okay?
He now regretted confiscating the suit and not returning it when it had already been upgraded.
"Sir, a plane crash has been detected around Coney Island, approximately 600 miles from our current location."
"Let's head there and get a crew right away."
Tony's heart pounded as he drew closer. He hoped Peter was not in that plane crash, knowing there was only a slim chance of anyone surviving such an incident. If his son happened to be on that plane, he's praying to anyone who's ever listening to make sure his Peter is alive and okay.
A long stretch of fire became visible at Coney Island beach shortly afterward, accompanied by the wreckage of the jet, its hull and wings torn into pieces, and various crucial equipment scattered around. As he surveyed the scene, he discovered two heat signatures engaged in a fight. Confirming one of them to be his son, identifiable by Peter's build and stance, he recognized the other figure as someone wearing a wingsuit.
Tony seethed with anger as Peter attempted to break free but to no avail. He witnessed the vulture slamming Peter around like a ragdoll, momentarily rendering him unconscious. Before the Vulture could strike another blow, Tony swiftly reached them and laser-blasted the villain, leaving him unconscious.
The Iron helmet dismantled and revealed Tony's face as he reached for his son, cradling Peter's head, "Peter, I'm here. Dad's here."
Bruises and cuts were all over Peter's face, and multiple contusions were detected.
"Dad," Peter smiled weakly. "You came."
"Always, Pete. Always."
Their reunion was abruptly interrupted when they heard a machine hum behind them. They saw Vulture attempting to fly away. Tony stood ready to finish him off but stopped when Peter pulled his hand,
"We need to save him. His wing-suit's going to explode."
He hesitated, why would he even save someone who caused harm and even tried to kill his kid? There's no way in hell that's going to happen.
Peter's pleading eyes softened Tony's heart. Truly, Peter represented the best of them. He embodied the purest form of being a hero—someone who believed that everybody deserved to be saved, regardless of their character and circumstances.
"Together?" Tony asked.
"Together," Peter answered.
Working in tandem, Tony blasted off Vulture's wings. Before landing on the sand, Peter skillfully employed his web-shooters to pull Toomes back towards them. Once safely retrieved, Peter strategically secured Toomes in a corner stand amidst the wreckage, ensuring that the police would find him there later.
As the father-son duo faced each other, Peter lethargically let his weight draw him near his dad. Tony supported Peter, pulling his son into an embrace as they returned to the Tower.
"You did good, kid," Tony said as they flew through New York, passing the Statue of Liberty en route to the tower.
Peter smiled, "Thanks, Dad," while resting his chin on Iron Man's shoulder, allowing himself to be enthralled by the aerial view before him. It had been a while since he had cherished the city lights of New York glowing brightly from above. It had also been a while since he was in his father's hold, receiving an aerial tour of different beautiful places.
By the time they reached the Tower, most of Peter's bruises had already healed.
They received a call from Happy, "Boss, we found Peter's glasses. I should have listened to Peter. He might be— he might be—" Happy's voice cracked as if he was about to cry. "He might be under the rubble."
"I'm here Happy. Already escaped the rubble." Peter greeted, not wanting to prolong Happy's suffering any further.
"Peter! Oh, Peter, I'm so sorry. I should've listened." Happy cried. "Boss, please don't fire me."
Tony's brows crinkled trying to suppress a laugh without success. "Relax, Hogan. You're stuck with us. And inform the press that it was Spider-Man who saved the night, and Tony Stark is grateful to him for rescuing the jet."
Peter's eyes shone as he looked up at his Dad.
"Will do, boss. If the criminal is subdued on webs, they usually already figure that out."
Peter chimed in, "Oh, I almost forgot. Happy, make sure to return Flash's car as well. It's a silver car, I left it nearby," which prompted Tony to squint in suspicion.
Peter chuckled awkwardly, "It's still in one piece."
The call concluded with Tony placing last-minute orders to ensure a team was supervising the proper cleanup at Coney Island and the prosecution of Vulture. At that moment, Pepper, who was about to head to the kitchen, noticed them and made her way towards them,
"Oh my god, sweetheart, Peter, What, what happened to you? Your suit, your face?" Pepper cupped Peter's face examining it before hugging him.
"Mom, I'm okay," Peter mumbled from Pepper's embrace.
Tony hearing the word, eyed Pepper, questioning and mouthing "Mom?" before finally beaming happily at the two most precious people in his life, encircling them in a hug.
Peter had just finished his call with MJ and Ned, providing them with a detailed account of what had happened to him, assuring them that he was alright, and expressing his intention to talk again when school started next week. Having cleaned up, he was now fresh in his pyjamas, prepared to cap off the night when he heard a knock on his door.
"Would you still let your old man tuck you into bed?" Tony asked, walking towards Peter and taking a seat beside him on the bed.
With a reassuring smile, Peter countered, "You're anything but old."
His dad stopped tucking him into bed every day when he entered high school, though he still does on rare occasions like this.
Tony lightly brushed a strand of Peter's hair before saying, "I just wanted to say I'm sorry I wasn't there to save you, bud."
"You are, Dad, you listened, you came."
"I didn't come earlier when you were stuck in the rubble. It must have been scary for you."
Peter recalled the darkness and the overwhelming sense of helplessness. It's strange how it feels like a distant memory now, even though only a few hours have passed. "It was scary and dark," he admitted. "I felt helpless and afraid, thinking I was going to die. However, I managed to overcome it, largely because of your words."
Tony imagined what it was like—something he had also been familiar with being stuck in a cave, in pain, losing hope, counting the minutes, wondering if he was going to die. It was an experience he never thought his kid would have to endure, "You've been brave and strong, Pete. I'm proud of you." brushing Peter's cheek with his thumb.
Peter smiled, "Thanks, Dad. It's over now though."
"It is," Tony said, smiling and gazing at his perfect son, imprinting every feature into his memory. Sometimes, he still saw Peter as the four-year-old kid who had entered his life, changing his perspective in the best possible ways. It took him a few seconds before he opened up another topic.
"I want to talk to you about being a hero, Peter. You know I've lived my life before becoming one. That's why I just want you to live your life too. Enjoy being a kid because it could just slip by and you won't even know it,"
He thought about the times when he had wished that Peter would always remain his innocent and cheerful little kid,
"Becoming a hero and even after becoming one was not all rainbows and sunshine that makes you feel good, no. Over time, it was pain, it is dangerous, it can be draining. Whenever I do some avenging, I risk my life, and a part of me is always afraid that if I don't win this then I don't make it back," Tony relented, becoming vulnerable in front of his son isn't something he had planned to be right now, but here he is.
"I don't want it to be the same for you Peter, because you deserve so much more, you're my life. And if anything ever happens to you…"
Tony can't even finish his sentence because he doesn't want that to ever happen. He swallowed the blues forming in his throat.
"Dad, I'm okay. Nothing bad's going to happen to me, I promise." Peter placed a hand over his dad's hand as if assuring he meant every word he said.
Tony smiled, he certainly hoped so. He redirected the conversation instead, "I know, Pete. Therefore I also realized, it's also more dangerous for you not to be able to defend yourself, without the suit up your sleeve, especially when I'm not around."
Peter's serious expression of listening to his Dad slowly lightened up in anticipation upon hearing his Dad's last sentence,
"Dad, are you saying?"
"You're fighting your own battles now, making your own choices. Seeing you today… That was noble. Heroic." Tony proudly said, emphasizing the last word.
Peter chuckled as tears formed in his eyes, treasuring the words in his heart. He hadn't expected those words of praise and approval to come out of his father's mouth—coming from his role model, finally accepting him and his choices. He lunged at his dad, embracing him in a tight hug,
"Thank you, Dad."
"You're the best of us, Pete." kissing his side of the head.
Tony brushed the tears from Peter's face, "You were my number one fan when I was Iron Man. And now, I'm your number one fan, Spider-Man."
Peter chuckled, beaming happily. He may have felt like it was the end of the world earlier tonight, but it's funny how everything turned upside down in an instant as it also felt like the best night of his life.
Tony placed a kiss on Peter's head before standing up, "Sleep now, alright. Or you won't see your upgraded suit."
"I have an upgraded suit?" Peter's excited eyes followed his father's every step until his Dad's almost out the door. "And Dad?"
"Hmm?" Tony turned to look at Peter before reaching the door,
"It never changed. I'm still Iron Man's #1 fan. I love you."
The corner of Tony's eyes crinkled as he smiled, warm bliss tugging his heart, "I love you tons, Pete." Tony snapped his fingers that turned the lights off in Peter's room and headed down to his bedroom.
After making sure his Dad's not anywhere near his room, Peter jumped up and down his bed even dancing a little before having the best sleep of his life.
Tony lay down on his bed and closed his eyes, allowing all of his muscles to relax, letting the bed absorb the tension and stress beneath his bones. It had only been hours since he was in Berlin, taking the lights out of Barnes, and now he found himself in New York. A moment of peace—that's what he liked. A moment—
"Boss, incoming call from Secretary Ross." Friday interrupted.
Tony pressed on his eyelids, "Friday, from now on grow a spine. Put him on hold. Tell him I had a family emergency."
Tony sat up on his bed, now seeing Pepper walking out of their bedroom walk-in closet, all ready to go to sleep, "Or better yet, tell him I'm in New York time now. He can wait till morning or he can fuck off."
Pepper walked close, gazing down at him. "Wow, there's the Tony I know. Finally standing up once again to the government."
Tony said as he rested his head on Pepper's flat tummy, while she gently massaged his temples. Pepper had always been his safe solace. She had this way of taking his worries away, making him feel truly relaxed. He was grateful for having her here now and always by his side.
"How'd it go?" Tony recounted the events in Berlin—his conversation with Steve, the ensuing fight, and the urgent rush back home to save Peter. By the time he had finished his rant, they had already finished their midnight snack on the bedroom sofa.
"I'm sorry about your parents, honey," Pepper said to Tony next to her.
"I also gotta tell it to Peter, Pep. He'd also grown attached to the memories of his grandparents even if it's only through my stories of them."
"We know Peter, I'm sure he'll understand."
"So, "Mom", huh?" Tony saw how Pepper's eyes gleamed with tenderness upon the word,
"I know, I can't believe this day would come. I'm just… I'm just so happy, Tony."
She had already found contentment in taking care of Peter without expecting anything in return, but hearing that word of endearment meant something entirely different, eliciting incredible warmth in her chest. Was this what Tony also felt when Peter called him 'Dad'?
"You have been a mother to Peter since he came into my care. I couldn't be more grateful for having you," Tony said as he squeezed Pepper's hand and kissed it. Rising from his seat, he reached into his pocket, about to kneel down when Pepper caught sight of an emerald-cut diamond ring. She stepped back from Tony,
"No, no, Tony. You're not going to do that here."
"Why not?" By far, it's the only thing missing in their relationship now.
"Because it's in our bedroom and it's midnight," Pepper motioned at the blinking lights of Manhattan across from them. "You still have that mess with the government and your team. And oh my goodness, I can't believe you're carrying that thing in your pocket."
"I've been carrying this in my pocket since 2008. But okay, okay, fixing mess first. Then settling down." Tony walked closer to Pepper, scooping her into his arms bridal-style, "Doesn't mean I can't do this." heading towards their bed.
"Why do you always do this when I've already done my skincare," Peppers said in between laughs as they spent their sweet time together across the night.
Peter woke up earlier than usual, though he had still managed to complete his eight-hour sleep. Excitement bubbled within him as he couldn't contain his joy about his new suit during breakfast, and Tony and Pepper listened with enjoyment, appreciating Peter's upbeat mood. Following breakfast, Pepper headed out for a day filled with meetings, while the duo made their way to the lab
"Oh my god, I'm so excited," Peter exclaimed, shaking his hands and lightly jumping up and down. He seemed almost ready to tumble across the entire lab in his enthusiasm.
"You don't say." Tony chuckled, placing his smoothie cup down. He reached for a case situated in the center of the table, and as soon as he opened it, a three-part compartment revealed itself. A blue hologram showcasing the design and specifications appeared on the sides, with the suit positioned in the middle.
"Just a minor upgrade," Tony said, leaning on the table, watching as awe transformed Peter's face.
"Dad, this is insane, insane." The suit resembles Peter's initial prototype, but now, the specifications and design have significantly improved. It features larger eyes, perfected stitches, matching colors, and an entirely new technology embedded within.
"Go on, try it. We can both work on the things you'd like to add later."
Peter's eyes glistened as he lifted his dad, twirling him around and eliciting hearty laughter. Tony could never have imagined that he would be carried by his own son; he had always been the one to do that. His baby was truly all grown up now.
"Carrying your dad now, huh," Tony remarked as Peter set him down.
Before letting Peter take the case, Tony closed it,
"Before that, can we agree on no patrolling on weekdays, no sneaking out, no impromptu investigations, and no charging in on criminals and thugs unless you have a backup, either me or any of The Avengers. Are we clear?" Tony emphasized every word.
Peter nodded quickly while smiling, "Crystal."
Peter embraced his dad, who handed him the case. Before exiting the lab, he asked, "Does this mean I'm also part of The Avengers now?"
Tony looked at Peter closely, tilting his head to the side, as if contemplating. He had every authority to make decisions for the team and to bring Spider-Man in. He could make it official after he sorted out the Accords, but that is if, "Do you want to?"
Peter was taken aback by the question. Did he really want to? He had been with The Avengers since its formation, finding joy in looking up at them and assisting in minor ways using tech. However, he hadn't seriously considered becoming an active part of the team engaged in avenging. Had he ever pondered this question before? The initial plan was simply to save a neighbourhood, to watch out for the little guy. The question lingered in his mind as he rummaged through his thoughts for an answer but couldn't unearth it.
"You know that I prefer you still being my Petey-pie even without these spidey senses, right. Avenger or not, either one is great. Don't think too hard about it."
Tony gently patted Peter's cheek and planted a kiss on his forehead. Before departing, he uttered,
"I'll see you on the training floor."