The Stark Scion

by tonystarkxjanine

One fateful night in Switzerland, Tony helped fix a glitch in Mary Fitzpatrick's research, unwittingly causing both a potential danger and creating the one that would help him fix his life in the years to come. Takes place before Iron Man arc but will eventually get there until Endgame.

24. Scion

Author's Note:

Thank you for still being here!

This is my longest chapter yet with 18k words, so please brace yourself.

---

Homecoming/Civil-War Arc: Part 1

---

"Dr. Palmer won't be coming in, boss. Her phone only goes to voicemail. Her assistant said she's attending to Dr. Strange's accident since last week."

"For chrissake," Tony cursed under his breath while cradling Peter in his arms, where is everyone when you needed them. Bruce should be here helping him, identifying how to put Peter out of this misery.

Perspiration continued to bead on his son's forehead. Peter instinctively curled into a protective ball, seeking solace from the agony etched across his face.

Tony thought he had seen it all, seen Peter get sick with a dengue fever, seen Peter abducted and terrified in a white room. But nothing topped his worst fear coming to life, seeing his kid suffer in pain in his arms and being unable to do anything to stop it.

Tony strove to maintain strength. Giving up was not in his vocabulary. He was the only one Peter had right now, and he must not let his kid down.

"Friday, get the medical bay ready," Tony ordered, his arms cradling Peter's limp form.

Carefully, he eased Peter onto the Medical Scanner. He stepped out of his suit before gathering the injection kit. With practiced precision born from countless self-administered injections, Tony prepared the necessary supplies. Though his hands trembled slightly, he maintained his focus as he skillfully drew out the needed blood sample.

"You're gonna be okay, baby. You're gonna be okay."

As he inserted Peter's blood into the scanner, the screens lit up with real-time results alongside the body scan. Alarmingly, Peter's vitals were off the charts. His blood showed signs of metamorphosis.

"Get me anything and everything about that spider, the research, and let's test if we can find an antidote."

Diverse search results flooded the screen, each revealing unique insights. The hybrid spider displayed a result of Mary's ingenious genetic manipulation. With focused determination, he filtered through the data streams, navigating intricate algorithms and processing multiple information sources at once. His mind buzzed with permutations and calculations, each aimed at formulating the perfect antidote for Peter's alarming condition.

He had studied Thermonuclear Physics overnight before, had found an antidote for Pepper from the Extremis, and even synthesized a new element for his Arc Reactor. Genetic Biochemistry shouldn't be too hard.

He had studied this research in its infancy stage and had given a piece of the puzzle to his son's mother, making an antidote for it should be possible.

He simulated his first trial. It failed. Another one failed again, and again, and again. He slammed the table with his palms. He couldn't think properly. This was the reason why doctors don't operate on family members in the field of Medicine. This would take a while, and they didn't have time.

Peter's face twisted in pain as he spoke, "Dad…"

Tony rushed to his side, clutching Peter's hand in his chest.

"Do we know any Doctor we can call? One whose expertise is similar to Mary's?"

"We have Dr. Gemma Simmons. She's also a Ph.D. Biochemist from the former SHIELD."

Gemma's credentials showed on the screen including her two PhDs at 17.

"Can we get her here in time? Have a team get her."

"She is currently in Maryland, Boss. I'll have the jet ready."

"Get her online." The line rang only once and within seconds, Dr. Gemma's face could be seen on the screen, "Am I seeing this right? Iron Man, Doctor Stark?" she asked in her British accent, astonished in a mix of confusion.

In a normal conversation, Tony wouldn't even let anyone call him Doctor, regardless of having multiple doctorates, but he's too preoccupied that he just let it slide.

"Doctor Simmons, I wish I could introduce myself properly but I need your help, urgently." Tony sent her all the files he had on his sleeve and told her how Peter got bit by a radioactive spider from the said research.

She asked how Peter's doing first before taking several minutes to parse and read everything,

"Dr. Fitzpatrick was famous in our department in the Academy before. I never thought her research would be as intensive as this."

Every minute seemed to go by so slowly for Tony. He asked if she could come to New York right now, pointing out the proximity of Maryland. With a jet at their disposal, the journey to the Tower could be completed in just half an hour.

"Yes, of course, Sir. I'll be there, but right now… I'm afraid it won't help. It's already too late."

"What?"

"See this." Gemma showed her screen of multiple DNA strands mutating, connected to what Tony's seeing, "It shows from these real-time scans that the venom compound had already done irreparable transformation in your son's DNA and it's already halfway done. It had already altered and still altering everything at the atomic level. Even the antidotes you initially simulated won't work on this. This is not just any virus or sickness that can be reversed or vanquished. Dr. Fitzpatrick made sure that whoever gets this compound in their system, it is there to stay."

Tony's mouth dried out, hope fading from his eyes as he brushed gently on Peter's face as if to soothe his child from the pain.

"The good news is, it is not corrupting anything in a bad way," Gemma said in fascination, observing how each strand morphs and bends, "Perhaps, it is even repairing everything."

"Miraculous healing," Tony remembered his conversation with Mary before.

Perhaps Mary had indeed perfected the compound, but what would its effects be on Peter? Would his son be okay?

"We'll know more once he wakes up. I know it's tough seeing your son like that, Dr. Stark. But we must wait it out. Peter must get through this."

"So, he'll be okay, right?"

Gemma smiled softly, "He will be. There's no doubt."

Tony sighed in relief, a smile forming on his lips as a tear escaped his eyes. He clutched Peter's hand to his cheek, placing a kiss on it.

Afterwards, he thanked the good doctor, making a mental note to recruit her as one of the Avengers' doctors. Though she may not be physically present, her expertise and assurance made all the difference for Tony, convincing him that everything was going to be alright.

When the call ended, Tony carried Peter to his son's room, not wanting him to wake up in the dull medical bay surrounded by machines and disinfectant. An hour later, Dr. Simmons arrived. She double-checked everything and assured Tony that Peter was reacting really well to the venom compound, explaining in-depth findings about what the chemical had done and was doing to Peter's DNA.

Pepper and Rhodey arrived two hours later, their expressions initially reflecting worry, then relief upon learning that Peter was going to be okay. With every passing hour, Peter's vitals slowly returned to normal, and Tony didn't leave his side.

---

The gentle caress of morning sunlight kissed Peter's face as he slowly blinked open his eyes. A contented smile tugged at his lips as he reflected on how refreshing his sleep had been. It was the first time in weeks that he had slept without feeling like a train wreck from all the late nights of studying. He sat up in bed, stretched his arms, and rotated his neck and shoulders for a light stretch before rising.

"Good morning, New York," Peter greeted the city as he gazed out at the breathtaking panorama of Manhattan. In the distance, the iconic silhouette of the Empire State Building stood tall against the morning sky. Below, the city streets bustled with life as people embarked on the daily hustle and bustle.

A cyclist, in a hurried frenzy, narrowly avoided colliding with a mailbox. Meanwhile, the hotdog vendors and food carts began to set up shop, ready to cater to their hungry patrons. Amidst the flurry of activity, commuters streamed out of the subway stations, their determined strides marking the start of another busy day in the Big Apple.

"Good Morning, Fri," he greeted casually, reaching for his eyeglasses as he headed towards the bathroom. However, he soon stopped after putting them on.

"Wait a minute..." His vision blurred inexplicably with the glasses on, yet when he removed them, he could see the full-length mirror on the other side of the room with remarkable clarity.

How was it possible that he could see everything so clearly without his glasses?

He blinked several times, alternating between wearing the glasses and taking them off.

Had he undergone LASIK surgery last night without realizing it?

"Good morning, Peter. My scans show all normal levels since six hours ago. Are you feeling okay? Do you want me to wake up boss?"

Peter stood before his bathroom sink, his reflection staring back at him with unwavering clarity. Every pore on his face seemed magnified, each bead of sweat glistening on his forehead as if poised to cascade down his temple at any moment.

It was as though he possessed an ability to zoom in and out of things, much like how his vision had focused on the passersby on the street earlier even though he was a thousand feet from the streets below.

Panic began to swell within him. The events at the subway rushed in him like a lightning bolt. The spider from the field trip, that sickening experience at the subway, crawling out of the elevator where he felt like dying.

"No, don't wake him. How long exactly have I been out, Fri?"

He's about to take his shirt off but it ripped apart instead when he pulled his hand sticking at his shirt. It eventually detached when he wiggled his hand.

"It's been approximately 16 hours since you passed out, Peter."

Before he could even begin to comprehend the amount of time he'd slept or what he'd done to his shirt, the view of his now-grown muscles got his attention,

"What the..."

Am I seeing what I'm seeing?

"Are these muscles?"

He lifted his arm and poked his biceps with his pointing finger like it was some sort of never-ever-seen-before artifact. Then he moved his way into his abs.

"I have a six-pack." Without even lifting weights ever before.

He wondered how could this ever happen but then his face lightened up into a grin,

"This is awesome!"

"I gotta tell Dad. Wait. I'm gonna brush my teeth first. 16 hours without a toothbrush." Ugh. He grabbed his toothbrush and turned on the faucet, but he couldn't take his fingers from the grip, so he tried pulling it and upon doing so also breaking the faucet's entirety.

"Oh no, no, no," Peter rushed to block the water continuously escaping from the busted pipe, but it wasn't like it was doing anything to stop it.

He frantically looked around for anything that could help him. He knew he had his glue tech lying around somewhere or his gauntlet watch could fix it, but all of it was outside his bathroom.

He let go of the busted pipe, the water bursting everywhere and grabbed the bathroom door handle, but once again, his hand got stuck in it. "Not again!"

If he were to pull his hand away, he might break the entire glass door. But if not, his bathroom was going to flood.

With no alternative in sight, he resigned himself to the inescapable. In a swift, powerful motion, he wrenched the handle from the glass door, the resounding crash of its impact reverberating through the room as it crashed to the floor, shards scattering in every direction.

"Oh god. Pete, stay right there."

Peter glanced upward to see his father hurrying toward him. Just like that, he felt like a little kid again, Dad telling him not to move because of glass scattered and he might get hurt.

"Dad," Peter stood to watch his Dad stride past him and fix the broken faucet with the Iron gauntlet, moulding everything back together before finally stepping towards him and giving him a heartfelt hug.

"I'm sorry, Dad."

"No, I'm sorry, Pete. I'm sorry I wasn't here when you woke up. I only went to my room to freshen up then fell asleep."

Tony's hand trembled as he cupped his son's nape, With a shaky laugh, he brushed aside the flood of emotions threatening to spill over.

"I'm glad," Their foreheads pressed together, "I'm so glad you're okay."

"Dad, it's okay."

Blurred fragments of memories of his Dad last night flashed in his mind. Dad's been with him all throughout and never left his side.

It doesn't take one to be close to notice the tiredness in his dad's eyes, "You need to sleep."

"I've slept enough. Now we need to fix this." His dad gave a look around the mess in his bathroom and lifted Peter's hand up with the handle still sticking in his hand.

Tony used his gauntlet's force to pull the handle away. It only took a second but a large amount of force was applied, "Huh, that's something."

He brushed on Peter's hand that's been stuck on earlier but it's not sticky at all anymore. A hypothesis formed in his head,

"You can control it."

"What's happening to me?"

"About that, I'll explain to you at breakfast. I'm sure you're hungry. But first, toothbrush and shower."

Tony patted his son's shoulder then cleared a path, pushing the shattered glasses aside using the gauntlet, then walked to Peter's closet to grab a hand glove,

"Use my bathroom to fix yourself, while I go get a team for this bathroom to be Peter-proof. Be extra careful when lifting or gripping things. Use this glove first, we'll figure out the rest later."

Peter stood still. Whoever said change doesn't happen overnight was clearly wrong, because seeing his reflection in the mirror, it seemed only yesterday that he's this frail skinny kid who can't even run a lap without getting tired, and now, he looked like someone else. Someone strong, unrecognizable perhaps.

"Hey," The tap on his shoulder nudged him out of trance, "You're gonna be alright, okay. I promise."

---

Tony sipped an orange juice, unsure of where to start his story. He never thought this day would come, he was kind of hoping it never will.

"So, you know that I met your mom in Switzerland, right? At a New Year's Eve party."

Peter nodded, a mouthful of pancakes in his mouth.

Happy butted in, walking towards them in the dining area of the penthouse, "Your dad was completely smitten. 'Most brilliant woman I've ever met' he said, but it was completely over after one night."

"Hi, Happy. I already kind of figured that." Peter greeted, happily munching on some sausages now.

"Happy." Tony pinched the bridge of his nose in disbelief.

"Sorry, boss. Just want to let you know the cleaning crew's already fixing Peter's bathroom."

"Wow, Peter, you're working out now, huh. Good for you." Happy gently pinched Peter's biceps like it's a toy. Unaware of yesterday's events as it was his day off.

"Happy, get a fixing crew as well. Tell them to make everything in the bathroom automatic from now on. Should've made that decision a long time ago."

"On it, boss." Happy said before stepping out.

After Happy's gone, Tony told Friday to secure the dining area to be soundproof.

"So, before we parted ways, I gave her a formula that will help her in her research. And it did help your mom."

Tony tapped the dining table, summoning a holographic display showcasing the research conducted by Mary Fitzpatrick.

"She completed it and perfected it over the years. Much more powerful than Extremis and more stable than Eskine's super-soldier serum. Her research is in the form of a chemical compound that hacks into the DNA of the animal of her choosing to make it super-enhanced. It's been coveted for years by different people that's why your mom went to Shield to seek protection, along the way meeting your step-father. One of those people is Maya Hansen and Killian,"

Tony paused as painful memories of the past resurfaced, "That's why they kidnapped you, trying to gain insight if Mary left clues in you and to also torment me to try and get this information from me. But it's a dead end because now we know, your mom also secured this research. For some reason that I don't know why,"

Tony breathed and paused for a brief moment,

"Her DNA was the only one that can activate the enhanced DNA of the animal. And now we know this animal is, an arachnid. A radioactive spider, in a public museum of all places. In my guess, this spider has been sleeping, dormant for a long time, it awakened sensing its owner, in this case, your blood, because you're Mary's son, her last living relative. And upon the contact, your DNA activated the enhanced DNA of the spider contained in its venom."

Peter stared at the research before him, zooming in and out to read details before he could gather himself and sip on a glass of water, staring blankly ahead. It was a lot of information to digest.

He somehow grasped the research behind it, but what he couldn't comprehend was why.

Why did it have to exist in the first place?

"So you're also basically saying, you and Mom created this and did this to me."

Peter wanted it to be a question, but it came out more like a statement.

He honestly doesn't know what to feel. Should he jump for joy, knowing that this newfound strength could also mark a remarkable beginning, the answer to all his what-ifs of being something more? Or will it become some curse that will remind him that everything won't be the same anymore?

"Well I—" Tony stammered for words, "Pete, I contributed 25 percent? maybe 35, doesn't matter. But I never thought that Mary would go that far to bring you into this. But I know, that's no excuse. Yes, I still regret that I'm partially responsible for creating it."

Tony knew how dangerous it was to possess this kind of ability. He couldn't even bring himself to say that it was a superpower, fearing that Peter might seize upon it and become a superhero, thus making his kid a magnet for all kinds of dangerous situations.

The Avengers didn't have it easy with their superhero lives. It was far from easy. He even remembered regretting being Iron Man years after he had announced it because of the danger it brought to their family. The weight and responsibility could be too much to bear. And no parent would ever want that for their kid.

"I'm sorry, bud. The doctor who treated you last night, Dr. Simmons, said there's no antidote. But if you don't want this, we can work something out and collaborate on it."

Grief weighed heavily on Peter's chest. How could he miss someone he barely remembered? Sure, Pepper was like a second mom to him, but there were times when he wondered if his own mom was around. What would it have been like?

The questions didn't linger for long as he began to understand the importance of embracing his inner strength. Perhaps having this ability would be enough to know what her love felt like.

"It's the only thing my mom left me, Dad. Maybe, this is also her way of protecting me."

"Of course," Tony stood up and reached for his son, "It's a gift from your mom."

Tony pulled away and focused on Peter's eyes, "But promise me, to not do anything dangerous, okay. Don't even show that ability to anybody because strength invites challenge. And you know, challenge incites conflict. And conflict—"

"breeds catastrophe." Peter finished the sentence.

"Yes, remember that. I don't want you to get hurt," Tony emphasized on every word, "Do you understand?"

"I promise."

Disappointing his father is the least of his worries. Peter knows he won't do anything stupid that he might regret, but he can't help thinking about the fun things he can do with this gift.

Just then, Pepper joined them in the breakfast area, wrapping her arms around Peter from behind as he sat, her chin resting on his head,

"How are you, my love? Are you feeling alright?"

Peter smiled as he saw her face,

"I'm feeling super," returning her hug.

---

Peter felt that everything was different at school the next day. He assumed that someone, especially his best friend, might notice that something had changed in him over the weekend, but no, all he got was one compliment from Ned, saying, "New pair of glasses, huh. Nice." and that was it.

Nobody noticed anything, and nobody would, but it was quite the opposite with him. He somehow noticed everything, from the smell of a rotten sandwich in a closed container in his classmate's backpack in the front row of his Physics class, to the sound of an engine revving from one of the cars in the school parking lot, to a tumbler cup that accidentally fell from a desk next to him, which he instantaneously caught before it hit the floor.

"Quick reflexes," MJ said, her brows knitted in confusion, but then she smiled. "Thanks, Peter."

"You're welcome."

MJ gazed carefully at him before turning her head away to listen to their teacher in front.

Peter smiled to himself, at least one person did.

He paid his mom a visit to express his gratitude and gave her favorite bouquet of white roses, as they always do every year. He didn't know what he had done in his past life to be fortunate enough to have been born to such exceptionally brilliant parents. He promised her that he would make good use of this gift for something worthwhile.

Over the months that followed, there was a series of adjustments made to dampen his senses to a more normal setting. They were always dialled up to 11, and he found it difficult to focus on his classes with all the distractions around.

So, during weekends, he tinkered in the lab with some help from his dad, creating devices that would help him focus. He produced ANC earbuds specifically designed for his enhanced sense of hearing and created glasses tailored to his keen ability to see at night and manage visual sensitivity during the day.

Apart from that, he considered his enhanced stamina, agility, strength, and flexibility as the icing on the cake. These were the aspects he enjoyed the most. He could run for miles without ever getting tired, tumble on the trampoline for hours on end, and could now balance so easily on a beam while remembering his gymnastics lessons from when he was a kid. Somehow, everything he had previously struggled with physically had now been repaired and tremendously improved.

No matter how exciting it was for him, monitoring these abilities on equipment at the lab also made his Dad terribly astounded and worried. His dad makes sure to show enthusiasm for all the new things he's been able to do now, but Peter can also see the slight knit of his dad's eyebrows that shows worry, even though his dad doesn't express it directly to him.

He also made sure not to overdo it in PE class. While he could, it didn't mean he should, so he wouldn't. He wouldn't join any sports that required significant physical effort, such as football or baseball, even if he could throw that ball across the field and it would never be seen again.

He wouldn't show off just so Flash could finally call him a Stark because he already knew he was one.

He knew being a Stark wasn't about being the greatest, but about choosing to rise above and doing what's right for the greater good.

However, sometimes he couldn't help it, like the time he managed to hit a home run, finally defeating Flash's team. It prompted a triumphant grin and a sense of satisfaction on his face.

So, he enjoys willfully using this ability during weekend runs at Central Park or the Avengers compound when they visit.

"C'mon Dad, keep up."

"Go ahead. I'll be there."

Tony sat in one of the chairs surrounding the compound to take a bit of rest from running. He brings his son here on weeks when it seems his son's already tired of the city. Besides, the physical activities that the Avengers team lets Peter take part in, such as baseball, basketball, and other sports, Peter can now do freely and with ease, unlike in school where he's considered a frail kid.

The other members who joined them in this field run were Steve, Natasha, and Sam. However, Peter was ahead of them for a few laps. Aside from Rhodey, who already knew and visited Peter at the tower every now and then, Tony also decided to inform the new team when they visited the tower months ago, a week after Peter's incident.

He figured there was no point in hiding it as they would eventually find out. They were concerned, but when they saw how this ability not only enhanced Peter's physical abilities but also boosted his confidence, energy, and happiness, they eventually accepted it wholeheartedly.

It was the team who now insisted and asked when they would visit again.

Pepper sat beside him. "C'mon, keep up, old man," she teased.

Tony deflected, "Hey, the old man's right there," he said, pointing to Steve.

Pepper passed him a sports drink, which he took,

"Old man or not, I will need the suit to keep up with that ball of energy."

They sat and stared at Peter, who ran gleefully a distance from them.

Peter ran past Sam, saying "On your left," before laughing, much to Sam's annoyance.

"You taught him that?" Sam asked.

Steve smiled and only shrugged as if he didn't know anything, "He came up with it himself."

Peter stopped when he reached Natasha and asked her to climb on his back for a piggyback ride.

"C'mon, Aunt Nat," he urged, to which she happily obliged.

"Hey, slowpokes," Natasha called out to Sam and Steve, "This is a race now. Whoever gets to the warehouse first wins."

Soon enough, the two men started picking up their pace, becoming out of sight with Peter and Natasha leading the race.

"He reached his limit on the treadmill yesterday, Pep. Can you believe he ran for 6 hours straight? The machine was the one to literally give up in exhaustion."

Pepper laughed lightly, "That's incredible, Tony."

Tony was glad his son was enjoying every bit of this gift, but with every newfound ability that Peter showed him, a sickening feeling of worry grew at the pit of his stomach.

What if Peter grew tired of just enjoying these abilities for himself and decided to share them with others who needed help to stop something, God forbid, evil.

Just like what he did before as Iron Man. After all, Peter had always been surrounded by superheroes ever since he was a kid.

He hadn't dreamed of his son following in his footsteps as a superhero. It was far from it. The power and the glory were great. He knew, he had enjoyed it for years, but with it also came the weight of responsibility that would never go away, and saving one thing for the greater good also meant accepting the casualties that might follow. It was one burden that Tony wouldn't want Peter to ever trifle with.

"You're worrying too much," Pepper said. "You know Peter, he's going to be okay."

"Of course, he's my kid. It's Peter. How could he do anything wrong?"

Pepper held Tony's hand and squeezed it. It seemed that their bickering from the months before had dwindled down ever since the incident.

She was slowly coming to an understanding that Tony having the Arc Reactor had done more good than bad in protecting their family. But at the same time, her worries about Tony's paranoia for the future wouldn't seem to go away anytime soon.

"Still thinking about what happened at MIT last week? I'm sorry, I should've been there."

It had always been on Tony's mind ever since that encounter with a parent waiting at the elevator. The grant he had given to doctoral students at his audience in the MIT alumni honours was nothing to ease his conscience for the students who lost their lives volunteering and building sustainable houses for the poor in Sokovia.

Parents of the deceased blamed and are still blaming The Avengers for what happened to their kids. Charlie Spencer, close to Peter's age, was just one of the casualties of fighting and avenging to save the world. But who could blame them? If the roles were reversed, what wouldn't he do just to avenge his kid.

---

The last day of class passed without anything unusual happening until Peter and Ned stumbled upon a group of small kids gathered, staring upwards, as they made their way to Ned's house in Queens.

A child's feet were dangling on a railing at the far edge of the building's rooftop. Peter didn't know why, but without a second thought, he quietly glided away while Ned, some other people, and the kids were focused on the child. He moved to the side of the building without anyone noticing.

He had realized the day after discovering his enhanced senses that he didn't stick to things because his hands were sticky, but due to an electrostatic reaction between his body and any surface, whether he wore shoes or gloves or not. His dad helped him understand that this occurred on an interatomic level, and eventually, he learned to control it.

He climbed onto the rooftop carefully, swearing to himself that he wouldn't break his promise to his dad. This was just an inevitable situation where a little girl needed to be saved. Upon reaching the rooftop, he noticed the door open, assuming it was how the two-year-old kid must have wandered out.

He wished he had something to pull the kid away from the railing without needing to approach the far edge and risk exposure, but he had no choice.

Quickly, he grabbed the girl's hands, being careful not to expose his face to the people below. When he heard footsteps approaching the stairs, he released the child, placed her on the safe side of the rooftop, and descended the side of the building.

Later, Ned found him on the other side of the street holding two sandwiches, offering one to Ned.

"Where have you been? A kid was on the brink of life and death earlier, and you disappeared. Did it scare you?"

They continued walking side by side, "Oh, I got a call from Happy. What happened?"

"Heard from the mother that her kid was saved by some random dude and everyone dispersed after that."

After a bite, Ned continued, "Do you think Queens will finally have its own superhero?"

Peter scrunched his face as if it were the most absurd thing he had ever heard,

"Too soon to tell, Ned."

But really, the amount of relief he had felt earlier from easily saving that kid was unlike anything he had ever felt before. And he would like to do it again.

No, no, no, not that thought. You promised Dad, Peter.

That night and the rest of the summer nights that followed, Peter stayed at the lab. He couldn't shut the thought down for several nights before he finally decided to act on it.

He couldn't shake the gnawing feeling anymore, that he could do more, he could help, he could be something more.

And he would not stand idly by while he could do something great with these abilities.

---

In past summers, they would often go to Malibu, Europe, or the lake house. However, when Dad asked him where he wanted to go this summer, he insisted on staying home, explaining that he was working on projects for his robotics club in preparation for the upcoming school year and college applications.

He would want to go to the lake house and build everything there, but most of the stuff that he needs is in the tower. He's making the most of it while the equipment is still here and not being transported yet to the compound.

Dad mentioned that they're slowly transferring everything to the compound and will move after Peter finishes high school. Assuming he'll go to MIT for college, Dad would like to move permanently to the lake house and only use the compound for Avenger business purposes.

He started his own Mark I by making adjustments to the formula from his invention of the glue tech to fit the needs of his Web-Fluid, as he'd liked to call it. Making it elastic yet durable with the greatest tensile strength that can even hold the weight of a semi-truck.

Of course, this would raise suspicions from his Dad, so he carefully worked on angles from the cameras that didn't show what he was doing and hacked FRIDAY's database at night if he got too close to it.

When they stayed in the lake house for a week, that's when he tested the first prototype for his Web-Shooters. It's a wrist-mounted mechanical device that protects the fluid and shoots webbing at distances.

Dad had a working shed/garage that he used as a lab away from prying eyes, so he utilized it at night. Testing how far it could shoot in the garage wasn't feasible, so he waited until daytime when their other activities were complete.

He consistently made excuses to take solitary runs along the perimeter of their forest, but in reality, he was testing it there, weaving webs among the branches that he could walk through. He even felt like he was a ninja like Naruto, leaping among the branches and swinging using his webs.

The last and greatest challenge for him is to build a suit. He doesn't know what design he wants yet or what fabric, he doesn't even know how to stitch or even operate a sewing machine. All he knows are the colours that he wanted, red and blue, his favourites and that it needs to be inspired by a spider. After all, it's the basis of him sticking at walls, creating the web-shooters, an equipment to be Spider-

"Spiderboy?" That doesn't sound right.

"Spider-Man." He smiled upon it, that sounds about right.

---

"Only 2 extracurriculars? Decathlon and Robotics?"

Tony waved the 2 pieces of paper in his hand, signing it at the kitchen island,

"Pete, is this you?"

"Taking a break, dad. Need to focus on my SAT's," Peter said over toasts while scrolling over his Starkpad on some notes he did the night before.

"That didn't stop you from taking so many last year. But good for you. Enjoy being a kid and all that high-school free time. College can really take all that away," Tony sipped on his regular green breakfast smoothie before asking, "Anyway, you've been in the lab all summer, I'm assuming that's part of reviewing for the SATs as well?"

Peter glanced up to find his dad already eyeing him, "I've not been all in the lab. We also went to the lake house-"

"Where you're also in the garage, tinkering," Tony added.

"Where we also went fishing and wakeboarding," Peter continued. "But of course, Dad. It's for my college applications. Mr. Jefferson really liked the prototype I built this summer. Said it could help my application for MIT." He grabbed his bag from the floor and brought out a red and blue matchbox. Within it, a miniaturized tech spider crawled out, crawling over Tony's hand.

"A mini spider. Ah, so cute."

"Not just a mini spider. I call it a Spider Tracer. It could attach to any object and track them down anywhere in the world, at a later time, even without using the internet."

The spider crawled up to Tony's shirt and attached to it. In a 3D hologram of Peter's phone in front of them, Tony's location can be seen.

Tony carefully gazed at the spider crawling in his hand. Amazement and pride welled up inside him unavoidably, "You know this kind of invention could add to our company's arsenal of designs. You could develop this further in our tech division, do you want to join this year's internship program? We can also make something of your own division in the future, once you're ready."

Peter broke into laughter, "Dad, you're kidding."

Tony only stared at Peter although still with a smile on his face, "I'm serious. You've been shadowing my work since you were four. I'm giving you a chance to finally play in the field and see what's been going on our premises. Even get you your own lab, your own tools to play with? What'd you say?"

Ah, but the thing is I'm already playing with the tools. getting my hands dirty on the field, Peter thought guiltily.

"I really appreciate it Dad, but I also got a lot on my plate right now, decathlon, SATs for college, homework…"

"You did not just say homework. Banner and I know how fast you got your homework done before stepping into our labs when you were younger," Tony placed the spider back in the box then scuffled Peter's hair, "But oh well, whenever you're ready. Great job on this, kid. Once again, getting into MIT's a breeze with your set of skills. They already want you."

Peter smiled, even though deep down he badly wanted to tell his dad what he had been doing over the summer and that he was already capable of handling bigger things for himself.

But the fear of all his hard work being shut down for good always got the best of him. If his dad ever found out, it would be the end of everything he had worked hard for. He just wished his dad wouldn't treat him like a kid anymore.

The spider tracer was just a small piece of what he had been working on over the summer. He had already perfected his Web-Fluid to his liking, as well as his Web-Shooters and the suit that he was about to wear for the first time later today in public while patrolling the streets of Queens for anyone in need of help.

His initial designs consisted of a red hoodie with a black spider chest emblem, a red mask, finger gloves with black webbing designs, black goggles, and blue long johns. However, they always got severed whenever he got caught up in a tree branch during testing in the forest at the lake house.

So, he had to research materials from the Tower. Some of the files he read contained designs from his grandfather for making the Captain America suit. He discovered that he could use a weave of graphene and a carbon fibre compound to make it more durable and resistant to tearing.

Obtaining the fabrics from the warehouse at the compound was easy, as he used it as an excuse for a school project. However, it didn't mean his heart wasn't pounding while doing it.

Then, one night when his Dad was not around, he sneaked out to go to the room at the tower where one prototype of The Fabricator had been kept, since he couldn't ask Friday to use the fabricator installed in Dad's lab. He added a vacuum seal to the design so it would be easier for him to slip in and out of the suit when needed.

The machine worked on it in under five hours, and he fell asleep in the room while waiting. One of the lab techs who had gone to work early found him on the floor and woke him up. He made an excuse that he had just gotten lost wandering the tower, then picked up the fully built suit before heading to the penthouse in a hurry.

On the dot at 2:45, as the bell rang, Peter was already on the move, heading to Queens via the subway. Last summer, he had asked his Dad and insisted that he should no longer be chauffeured to school because he could take care of himself.

Having Happy wait around at the school entrance every day for a young adult was not a good look. At first, Dad didn't agree, citing the convenience of taking the car instead of the subway.

"You're hurting Happy's feelings, you know that, right?" Dad said, hoping to guilt-trip him.

And it worked. Happy had been his chauffeur since he was a kid, whenever Dad wasn't around to pick him up.

However, Peter couldn't shake the feeling that it was really Dad who was unwilling to let him go because it meant he wouldn't be able to pick him up the way he used to.

But he needed the freedom, he wasn't a kid anymore.

His Robotics and Decathlon club after-school meetings only ran twice a week this school year, so he had plenty of time to patrol.

"Okay, this is it," Peter said, as he shot his backpack in a corner of an alleyway and proceeded to take off his shirt and pants, leaving only his boxers on.

Then, he suited up. He tapped the spider emblem on his chest, and the suit compressed and fitted him like a glove.

"Let's go, Spider-Man."

---

Okay, Peter, you got this. Breathe.

Peter voiced inside his head like a mantra.

"Go, Peter!" Wanda cheerfully called out from a distance, along with her are the new Avengers team, then Pepper and Happy. They're all seated at party chairs on the front lawn of the compound watching them from afar.

"Let's go, champ!" Uncle Rhodey clapped his hands.

"You got this, little Stark!" Aunt Nat cheered beside him.

"Think Iron Jr. got it. No?" Sam whispered beside Steve.

Steve sipped his drink before saying, "Don't think Peter can't hear you even if we're afar, Sam."

"Hey, don't mind them," Dad said beside him, snapping him out of his inevitable eavesdropping.

His Dad is sitting beside him in a car, or rather his own car now. It is his 14th birthday today, and his Dad has given him a birthday present. To his surprise, it's an Audi Spyder R8 in a custom deep red color.

He thinks how uncanny it is to have the Spyder and red in the same sentence in front of everyone he knows, yet no one knows the meaning behind it.

"Like it?" Tony asked.

"I love it!" Peter exclaimed, his next words becoming incoherent to hear, "It's so… me."

"Since you don't want to be chauffeured anymore. It's about to you learn how to drive. You'll discover how more convenient it is than riding the subway in the rush hour."

It's more convenient to swing around buildings to get to a destination though, he thought.

He had always seen his Dad drive, always in the passenger seat of Dad's car. Sitting in a plush leather seat was nothing new either, their cars had always been luxurious. Every two years, they even went to the NASCAR playoffs as Stark Industries was always a sponsor, and yet he couldn't remember wanting to drive a car by himself. He knew the instructions, he knew what to do, but how come he couldn't start?

Tony checked his wristwatch. It had already been fifteen minutes of Peter just holding the steering wheel with stiff arms, "I'm a hundred years old now, Pete."

Peter gave a nervous laugh.

"I'm kidding," Tony smirked with a soft laugh, "It's okay, take your time. We have all day."

"I can't," Peter said, his arms withering in his lap. "What if it loses control? Or I lose control of the wheel? What if we crash?" He didn't know why he'd rather swing from dangerous heights than drive.

"Hey, I'm with you. How will I even let that happen?"

Dad assured him. "Besides, we've got Wanda, we've got Vision to stop the car, if ever. But that's no good because he might laser-eye us. The point is, you've got The Avengers behind you, Pete. You've got us," Tony winked, his words sinking into Peter's head, calming him for a bit.

Tony continued, "The hardest part is taking the first step, I know. Just relax, okay? Relax your arms. Relax your mind."

Peter drew in a deep breath and settled his arms on the steering wheel as he followed his dad's lead.

"Okay, whenever you're ready, just step on the-"

Tony's words were cut short as they surged forward at breakneck speed, leaving him no time to react until they came to a sharp stop that nearly sent him thrown toward the windshield if not for his seatbelt.

"Dad, you okay?" Peter asked, his eyes filled with exhilaration. It does feel great to drive.

"A little heads-up next time?" Tony adjusted his glasses. "Okay? Let's just take it easy."

"You boys okay?" Pepper shouted from afar.

Everyone stood from their seats, concerned, but most of the guys were trying to contain their laughs. Sam spilled his drink, hand leaning on Steve for dear life, while Rhodey and Steve tried hard to look away and stop themselves from laughing.

Tony gave a thumbs-up, "We're good."

"Alright, you ready? Step on the pedal gently," he instructed, pausing briefly before Peter began to accelerate, "Remember, when turning, ease off the gas and slow down. It might seem tempting to speed up, especially with no other cars around, but always keep in mind that the brakes are your best friend. That's crucial for safe driving on the streets."

"Got it, Dad." Peter agreed but as soon as they're on, it seems all that Tony said evaporated in the air.

"Woohoo!" Peter howled with glee, wind brushing past their faces as they revved through the straight road of the oval track.

Tony beamed widely while staring at his son, burying the moment in his memory. It's times like this he wishes he could freeze time and put it in his pocket.

He may have picked the right gift,

"Happy Birthday, son."

"Thanks, Dad." Peter replied peering at his Dad, "I didn't know driving could be so fun! I should've learned sooner!"

When Tony returned his sight to the road, it was already too late,

"Okay turn, turn, turn, turn—"

Peter struggled to maintain control of the wheel, fighting against the overwhelming centripetal force that dragged them towards the grassy ground. The car skidded along the bumpy ground before finally coming to a standstill in the center of the oval track.

As Tony and Peter exchanged glances, a wave of relief washed over them, followed by uncontrollable laughter. It was a familiar scene, reminiscent of years past when Peter had similarly been sidetracked by excitement during his first attempts at riding a bike.

The team had a collective silence when they watched the car skid off track. Wanda was ready to control the car in case it went sideways. The men— Steve, Rhodey, Sam, and Vision to rescue in case. Nat, Pepper, and Happy's worried looks all soon disappeared when they saw the father-son duo step out brimming with laughter nonetheless at the oversight.

---

"I told you there's a new superhero in Queens." Ned declared while displaying his phone near Peter in Biochem lab class. "Another one said the hero's name is Spider-Man. How cool is that? Do you think he also transforms into a spider?"

The YouTube video showcased Spider-Man's acrobatic prowess, his webbing effortlessly anchoring to each corner of the towering buildings as he swung into action, stopping an out-of-control SUV with precision. With every passing minute, the view count surged.

As the numbers climbed, Peter couldn't help but feel a swell of pride within him. Weeks before his birthday, he had already become a guardian-spider-angel of sorts for his childhood neighbourhood, thwarting potential disasters with his own hands. Whether it was preventing a catastrophic collision involving a school bus or thwarting would-be thieves, Peter had become a silent watch, his alter ego's ever at the ready.

Amidst the whirlwind of attention, Peter's lips curled into a self-assured grin, his heart swelling with a mix of exhilaration and responsibility. With each new viewer drawn to the spectacle of his heroic deeds, he found validation in his dual identity, ready to embrace the mantle of Spider-Man whenever duty called.

And when curious bystanders inevitably asked who had intervened on their behalf, his response remained unwaveringly enthusiastic, delivered with the trademark flair that only Spider-Man could muster,

"I'm Spider-Man."

He may have garnered attention in the past being Peter Stark, appearing in numerous media interviews during red carpet events for their company, and gracing magazine covers since his childhood as a prodigy. However, these days, it's his alter-ego as Spider-Man that fills him with the most pride.

YouTube videos are filled with sightings titled,

'New crime-fighting hero in Queens,'

'Spiderguy stopping a theft,' and

'Spider-Man saving a school bus.'

At least they got the last one right. And perhaps, despite occasional mistakes, he's doing an incredible job. Some credit goes to his dad, who insisted on martial arts and self-defence training since he was a kid. Now, his throws and punches are making a real difference, putting criminals in their place.

Despite the demands of his double life, he still manages to make it back to the tower before curfew and not get caught.

"Yeah, that would be pretty neat," Peter replied to Ned, his attention split between mixing a chemical in a flask and contemplating the idea of his suit taking on spider-like transformations. He can add spider legs to it, but adding that would be impossible without using the advanced tech in Dad's lab.

Ned chimed in beside him, "Do you think he could also summon an army of spiders? Like, control them?"

I wish, Peter chuckled, "No, but I bet he would love that. Imagine having an army of spiders that can do anything at your own bidding. How scary would it be for kids though."

"Wicked," Ned laughed agreeing as they did their bro handshake, "Are we still on later? I finished the new Death Star."

Peter stopped mixing and turned to Ned in wide-eyed amazement, "No way!"

"Yup, 4,016 pieces," Ned replied proudly, sneakily browsing on another set to trample on from the Lego website.

"Hey, Peter," Liz tapped Peter's shoulder from the back, "Coach wants to know if you're going to the meeting later, you already missed two meetings."

Ned confidently declared, "He's already interning at Stark Industries. Bet he's on track to become the next CEO." Peter couldn't help but roll his eyes at the exaggerated assertion, "Nah," Ned corrected himself, "CTO more likely." Peter sighed inwardly at Ned's enthusiasm. His go-to excuse for Ned's persistent questions was that he needed to rush to the Tower after class, citing his internship in the Tech division of Stark Industries.

"Doesn't matter, you know the rules, three absences means you're out. We don't want to lose you, Peter. We could win decathlon again this year with your help."

Flash, all of a sudden, interrupted, with no sarcastic tone whatsoever, "Yeah, Peter. We'd love you to be there."

The statement made them squint suspiciously.

"Flash just wants to experience the Starkjet again, like last year, when we all went to Boston for the first decathlon's," Cindy pointed out.

With a subtle shift of his arm, Flash expressed disagreement, "Hey, cut me some slack. I really mean that."

"He's already dropped Robotics, along with the other activities from last year—Orchestra, Chemistry Club," MJ said flatly beside them.

Everyone turned to stare at her in silence. "I'm not obsessed or anything. Just observant."

"Yeah, of course, guys. I'll be there." Peter reassured them with a nervous chuckle as everyone resumed their activities.

The decathlon dragged on monotonously for Peter. Practice rounds came and went, with him consistently delivering correct answers. Eventually, Coach revealed the date for their upcoming 2nd national competition. Hours later, he found himself atop a rooftop in Queens, enveloped by the mesmerizing hues of the Manhattan skyline painted in pink and blue by the setting sun.

Two hours passed uneventfully as he completed his patrol, devoid of any criminal activity. As he headed to retrieve his backpack and make his way to Ned's place, he discovered that his bag had once again been stolen, along with his clothes.

Sending a quick text to Ned explaining his trouble, he knew he couldn't possibly visit without his clothes. Clearly, he needed to find a safer spot to store his belongings next time. Besides, most clothing stores in Queens were already shuttered for the day.

Turning back towards the subway, intending to head home, he suddenly felt a familiar tingle in his spider senses. Just a block away, a group of robbers had entered an ATM booth.

He entered and didn't notice him as they were busy, so he practiced a stance that looked cool and chill before getting their attention,

"What's up, guys? You forget your PIN number?"

As they turned towards him, their faces obscured by masks, he feigned a mock surprise, "Whoa, you're the avengers."

With swift finesse, Peter disarmed them, effortlessly sidestepping their attempts to engage him in combat. Each dodge was made by a quick-witted retort aimed at their concealed identities,

"Thor and Hulk, you're back! Where have you guys been?"

"Iron Man! I know I should not be here. I should be doing homework. It's weird calling you just Iron Man though." while evading punches.

As he lunged toward Captain America, they managed to snatch the device that suspended him mid-air, sending him crashing into one of the robbers.

"What is that thing?" Peter exclaimed, proceeding to counterattack each one, "Alright, jerks, let's wrap it up, it's near my curfew and I need to be home in 30 before Dad gets home."

He managed to block another tech from being propulsed onto him, "How did guys like you get tech like this?"

But another managed to get hold of one and launched the tech, its laser beams blasting and slicing through the doors onto the deli at the corner.

"Mr. Delmar." Peter rushed to save the store owner he'd known since he was a kid. Thankfully, both Mr. Delmar and his cat were safe. Peter escorted them outside to safety. However, when he glanced back towards the ATM booth, the robbers had vanished. "Oh, c'mon."

"I gotta go," he said, his heart heavy for the old man who had lost his shop. He made a mental note to ensure the relief foundation offered assistance later.

With a gentle handoff of the cat to Mr. Delmar, he rapidly swung the rooftops from Queens to Manhattan, keeping a careful eye out for any bystanders as he reached the Tower's balcony on the 50th floor.

He knew taking the elevator would be faster, but the risk of encountering his dad was too great. Instead, he crawled upwards for 10 minutes till he reached the small balcony of his bedroom. He silently entered the pin of his balcony door and crawled at the ceiling to his dimly lit bedroom avoiding Friday's sensors to his closet at the far end.

When he leaped and reached his walk-in closet, a staggering noise came from his bedroom. Peter's eyes widened, dumbfounded at Ned staring at him sitting at his bean bag from across.

Peter absentmindedly tapped his emblem and got out of his suit.

"You're the Spider-Man," Ned breathed heavily astonished. "from Youtube."

"No, no, I'm not. I'm not." Peter tried to convince Ned, figuring if he had a way out of this.

"You were at the ceiling."

"No, Ned. I'm not! What are you doing here? I texted you."

"I thought we were going to meet here. My mom dropped me off and when I got your text, I was already here. I don't want to take the subway bringing the Death Star back so Mr. Stark, as usual, said I could just wait here in your room." Ned explained hurriedly but couldn't stop staring at Peter.

"Dad's already here?" Peter craned his neck, attempting to peek outside, before quickly shutting the door with his shooters.

Ned had to cover his mouth from gushing like a fan, "You're the Spider-Man. I can't believe it!"

They immediately hushed when the door swung open revealing Tony Stark, "Just checking everything's alright? Heard a noise earlier."

"Everything's good," Peter said with a smile, his heart pounding, acting like everything's okay.

"Alright, welcome home, kid. Didn't notice you're already home. Friday didn't—" Tony usually gets notifications from Friday that Peter's already home, but decided to just shake it off, "Anyway c'mon, let's have dinner. You too Ned, you're not going home without dinner. Got takeouts from Leroy's."

"We'll be there," Ned said, smiling.

"Okay. I don't know what this is," Tony gestured at Peter being half naked, "but put on some clothes. And pick up those lego's. My feet have had enough of those death traps since you guys were little."

"Got it," Peter replied with a grin and when the door closed, Ned continued to fire questions,

"Mr. Stark, Iron Man didn't know?"

Peter gestured for Ned to shut up then tapped one of the control displays for Friday, turning off the voice recorder on every part of his room for Friday's sensors. He made a mental note to scrub any earlier recordings later. He couldn't help but feel relieved that their personal spaces weren't under constant video surveillance, otherwise, he'd be toast by now.

"He didn't know that I'm Spider-Man," Peter returned to his closet to get some clothes, "but he knows my abilities. I accidentally got bit by a radioactive spider that Mom and Dad practically and accidentally created together."

Peter cringed at the words, it could also sum up how he came into existence and that doesn't sound right,

"I promised Dad I won't do anything stupid."

He wore a new shirt and pants then faced Ned, "You can't tell anybody about any of this. Do not mention anything to my Dad at dinner. You gotta keep this a secret."

"Secret? Why? They've been calling you Iron Jr. since you were a kid, and now you literally are one. I think the whole world knew this day would eventually come. But what's more cool is that you're your own superhero Spider-Man." Ned praised, as excited as ever.

"My Dad can't know. If he finds out people try and kill me every night because I willingly do so by plunging into danger, he won't let me do this anymore. C'mon Ned, please." Peter said, pleading.

"Okay, okay, okay. I'm gonna level with you. I don't think I can keep this a secret, this is the greatest thing that ever happened in my life. My best friend is a superhero, which is also a son of a superhero. I'm set in life!"

"Ned, Dad cannot know. I can't do that to him right now. After everything that's happened and ever since Ultron, he's been…" Peter scoured for the right word, but can't. From what he's observed, the superhero business isn't as attractive or good anymore to his dad compared to when it was started, "He's been through a lot and he has a lot on his plate right now with The Avengers with what happened at Nigeria last month."

In the end, Ned swore to keep it a secret. They then headed outside for dinner.

The smell of freshly cooked food wafted through the entire dining area, from crispy calamari, oven-roasted chicken, and filet mignon, to linguini and clams. The television on as background noise.

Their guest seemed to be enjoying everything which puts a satisfied look on Tony's face. He proceeded to ask them how's school.

Ned eyed Peter to answer first but Peter didn't so he decided to answer, "We have a date for the national decathlon's championship, Mr. Stark, it's going to be a month from now."

"Really, that's great. Where is it now? Last year was Boston, right? You guys toured around MIT and Harvard after." The decathlon team had the opportunity to have a personalized tour around the campuses from one of Tony's colleagues from both universities. Their coach also toured with them and was very delighted.

"Right. This year's in DC."

"Ah, the monuments and museums. Peter can take the team on a tour there. He always hangs out on those Smithsonian museums while waiting for me and Pep to finish meetings in DC back then." Tony eyed Peter who's the opposite of Ned and seemed to not enjoy much of the food.

"Yeah, he mentioned," Ned replied, smiling.

"Is your dad still a museum curator. Last I talked to him, you two were still five-year-olds in Disneyland. Do you remember?"

"I still do." Ned's first time on Disneyland is one of his happiest and earliest memories, "Dad got promoted as Museum Director and he still actually talks about you at work that made him some friends."

"Good for your Dad. Relay to him my congratulations, will you."

"I will, Mr. Stark." Ned happily enjoyed the rest of his meal.

Tony sipped some sparkling cider before asking, "Been invited to any parties lately?" The question more directed at Peter.

Peter looked up from picking at his plate to find his Dad waiting for a response. Despite having eaten only a few bites, he already felt full. Ned had already caught on, and he sensed it was only a matter of time before his Dad did too. Guilt gnawed at him, yet he couldn't bring himself to confess.

"No, not yet," he muttered.

"Why? And why aren't you hosting parties at the party deck? You and your teammates can make a celebration party after Decathlon."

"Really, sir?" Ned asked ecstatic.

"Yup, and why don't you guys take the jet again to DC next month."

Ned's mouth hung open while Peter's guilt continued to mount.

"What's the matter, you okay?" Tony placed a hand over Peter's back, "You've not touched your food. Is it really that bad? You used to like their calamari."

Ned shook his head to disagree, the food was the best, but Peter's eyes only grew upon hearing what's on the TV.

"Delmar's sandwiches have been caught in an explosion after an ATM robbery—"

"Mr. Delmar," Tony said, reminiscing about the deli place that Peter loved since he was a kid. The store owner's been kind to them ever since, "Friday, make sure the Relief Foundation helps with Mr. Delmar's."

Friday promptly responded, "Already on it, boss. And Sir, the Secretary of State has attempted to reach you three times. He said it's really important."

Peter tapped the table in the most discreet way possible to mute the TV while his dad's not looking, so the next sentences of the news report can't be heard, thankfully Tony's not facing the tv so he can't see the full-blown picture of Spider-Man on the tv.

"—was thwarted by Queen's own crime-stopper, the Spider-Man."

"Can't it wait? We're having dinner. Put him on hold."

"He insisted it's about the Sokovia Accords, Sir."

"—As the Spider-Man attempted to foil their heist, a powerful blast was set off, slicing through the bodega across the street."

"Excuse me for a minute kids."

Tony rose from his seat, his frustration evident as he made his way towards his office,

"I swear the government's gonna be the death of me."

---

"Peter, are you sure about this? You can't just go." Ned pleaded, his words tumbling out in a rush, "Tomorrow is the most important day of decathlon's. Please. What's the point of those club meetings if you're not going to compete? And what if Mr. Stark suddenly calls and wants to talk to you? What will I tell him? What if Ms. Potts decides to drop by? She's just a few buildings away."

They were roommates sharing a cozy two-bedroom suite in the Waldorf, conveniently close to the competition venue. Their team marvelled at the historical post office turned luxury hotel, all thanks to the generosity of the Starks, who had sponsored nearly every aspect of their trip.

Ned was engrossed in playing with a purple glowing orb that Peter had kept from a patrol one night when he suddenly noticed a bright light emanating from a distance. Hurrying to investigate, he found the area deserted, except for a small piece of broken equipment left behind.

A knock at the door interrupted their moment. Peter and Ned engaged in a brief staring contest, silently debating who would answer it. Ultimately, Peter conceded defeat and jumped seamlessly to the door in less than a second. Upon opening it, he was greeted by their teammates, all dressed in swimming clothes. Even MJ had decided to join them, inviting Peter and Ned to join in the fun. Peter responded, suggesting they go ahead without them, as they would join shortly thereafter.

As soon as the door closed, "Say I'm already asleep, or swimming with our friends at the hotel pool. I'll leave my watch with you so it's like whenever you go, I go. And I already talked to Pepper earlier. She's flying into New York tonight cause she has a meeting there tomorrow. You don't have to worry."

Still not convinced, Ned asked, "Why are you still lying to your Dad, Peter? Didn't you say he's also one-half of the creator of that spider that gave you your powers? So, don't you think he'll be more lenient with you knowing you're Spider-Man?"

Peter jumped bouncing up and down the bed, "He's like one-fourth. My mom was three-fourths. But the point is, no, he will not be more lenient because me being Spider-Man being in all sorts of danger will be the last thing he wants. But he just doesn't get what I can do yet. I'm more than capable of taking care of myself now and I'm sick of him treating me like a kid all the time. Not cool."

"But you are a kid," Ned stated, as a matter of fact. "Only kids like to jump up and down their beds."

"A kid who can stop a bus with his bare hands." Peter finally stayed still and lay down rolling in his bed, "This is my chance to prove myself. What if those bad guys are doing something really bad? They need to be stopped."

Ned sighed then went to the walk-in closet to change into a swimming outfit, from there he asked, "How come Mr. Stark hasn't figured it out yet besides the fact you've been super sneaky."

"Well, he's got no time for local news or anything below Avenger level." Peter gazed out at the glittering lights of DC, "He's been busy lately with the Accords. I think it's stressing him out."

Ned came out and just sat by the bed to listen.

"The team's really divided on whether to vote or not. Dad kind of wants to and so is Aunt Nat, Uncle Rhodes and Vision. Then Steve, Wanda, and Sam don't want it. They got really good points when I overheard their discussion at the compound. Dad's still really affected by what happened in Sokovia. I hate that some are still blaming him as if it's Dad's mistake alone. Dad didn't want any of that to happen. Ultron wasn't supposed to be sentient, it was supposed to be for peacekeeping,"

Peter drew a long breath, he knew no amount of explanation could ever erase what already happened.

He continued, "Dad made an example of a kid that died in it, and said he's afraid that what if it happens to me as one of the casualties of an extinction level event that The Avengers were trying to fight against and he wasn't there to protect. He said he wouldn't bear it. But then, maybe Steve's also right, signing the accords will be like surrendering their freedom. They become a puppet of the government."

Peter had sensed Iron Man's weariness with the superhero gig for years. It was evident in his desire to retreat to the peaceful haven of the lake house, away from the chaos of the world. But perhaps the real burden lay in his father's struggle to release the reins. Tony Stark, too, found it hard to bid farewell to the hero within.

A stretch of silence came between them before Ned asked, "So where do you stand?"

He doesn't even have to think twice. He knows it with certainty,

"With Dad. Always."

Peter quickly slipped into his swimwear, the fabric snugly outlining his well-defined muscles. With their teammates, they made their way to the pool, ready for some fun. After a while and by the time he had to go, Peter excused himself and swung to the destination he was tracking.

---

"At a special United Nations conference, 117 countries have come together to ratify the Sokovia Accords."

"Thank you for coming with me, Tony. I know it's Peter's Decathlon competition." Natasha said as they walked into the waiting room before the conference.

It seems only yesterday that Natasha's Tony's secretary for a spy. The triple imposter, as he'd called her back then. And now she's the one helping and mainly handling The Avenger's public affairs with the government.

"Kid doesn't want me there anyway. He's the one who suggested I should tag along with you to represent the team. Not as if you need any help. You've been great, Nat," Tony said reassuringly, "And thank you for siding with me, even though it's against your self-righteous boyfriend. Hope it's not affecting sleeping arrangements." He smirked teasing.

Natasha coyly smiled, "Steve and I, we like to keep our personal and professional lives in different lanes, Tony." making Tony emit a mild snicker,

"Good. Good to know."

She sipped on her glass of cider before saying, "The Avengers cannot operate without the trust of the public. It's an unpleasant necessity that we cannot avoid any longer."

By then King T'Chaka came to them and thanked them for agreeing with the Accords. They were later joined by T'Challa and Shuri whom King T'Chaka introduced as his children.

While Natasha and T'Challa were talking, Shuri conversed with Tony in a light chat, "It's a pleasure to meet you. Mr. Tony Stark. I must say I'm a fan of your armoured suits. I really liked that collapsible plating that attached and assembled in seconds. I'm sure you have upgraded it already. But have you thought of using nano-tech?"

Tony smiled with piqued interest now. The only kid that he knows that shows this kind of intuitiveness to tech is his kid. He first thought Shuri's just an ordinary princess of Wakanda. It surprised him how he easily misjudged people, "I sure did. I already have a prototype for it but it's not ready yet. How'd you know about nano-tech, princess?"

"Oh, I already used it in my brother's suit."

Did he hear it correctly? T'Challa on his right seems to be wearing nothing short of a three-piece suit,

"Pardon?"

Shuri half-suppressed her laugh, "Just kidding, Mr. Stark. You can call me Shuri."

"Tony."

"I graduated from Wakanda University at an early age. I'm now the Design Lead of Wakanda's Science and Tech Department to help my brother."

"That's admirable, and you're only what?"

"18."

"18, wow." Tony said, astounded, "Such a young age and so many achievements. You remind me of myself and my son but unlike you, he doesn't want to go to University yet."

"We also used his glue tech in Wakandan Hospitals before. It was really useful. But definitely needs some upgrade."

"I know. Ah, teenagers, his head's around somewhere." that Tony for sure can't figure out yet, "But you're ahead of your time."

"That's a great compliment coming from the Iron Man. Thank you. Would you like to visit Wakanda? Along with your son? I'm sure my father and brother would approve."

"Just in: A blast came from the Washington DC Monument that severed the only elevator to the top. The Spider-Man swooped in heroically saving an Academic Decathlon team from Queens inside the elevator that was about to collapse. The identity of the masked hero is still unknown."

Shuri's last sentences muffled around Tony as his attention and focus now shifted to the breaking news flashed on the TV. It's on the lowest volume with only the subtitles on, nobody even watches it. Except when Tony spotted a red and blue onesie trying to break in on top of the DC monument while helicopters were flying around the scene, guns pointing at it.

From the physique, movement, and gestures alone, Tony can identify who's behind the mask.

"It is great meeting you, Shuri. I'm afraid I need to go. I'll be in touch."

At his turn, Natasha also saw the news and said, "It's okay. I got it here."

---

When the private jet landed at JFK, the team's parents were already there waiting. Each student was welcomed by hugs that dispersed worries from parents.

When Peter stepped outside the jet, he saw Pepper waiting downstairs the air-stair. Upon reaching her, she hugged him tightly,

"Oh, sweetheart. Are you okay?"

Peter nodded. Pepper's hugs are always warm and comforting. For a moment his worries dissipated away and the word "Mom" almost slipped out from his tongue.

Peter knew what he'd done.

The news was broadcast around the world, he's sure Dad's already seen it, it's something that he can't hide anymore.

He broke his promise but what can he do when his friends are in grave danger. He can't stomach not doing anything and just watch.

And yet, despite knowing he'd done something wrong, anxious about what his father thought, at the back of his head, he wished Dad was here to welcome him back,

"Thanks for being here, Pepper. Is Dad here?"

"He's still on his flight from Vienna. He'll be here in a few hours. Let's go back home and you have some rest, alright?"

The parents and teachers thanked Pepper first before going. On the ride back to the tower, Peter was being all non-hyper-verbal. Pepper would love to hear what happened in DC along with his friends, but all she can do is stare at the kid, who appeared lost in thought, his attention fixed on the passing scenery.

She squeezed his hand, assuring him, "It's going to be alright."

---

Under the dim lights of the lab, Tony poured a half glass of Jack. He closed his eyes, a hand massaging his temple from an impending headache about to erupt.

The amount of information he snuffed out while on the flight wasn't a breeze. He recovered files so deeply hidden and watched several local news reports concerning someone he thought he knew his entire life, all the inside and out, and then there came one moment and wondered if he knew nothing at all.

"Dad," Peter voiced out behind him.

Footsteps indicate his son just entered the lab.

Tony sipped from the glass and then placed it down. He turned around to find Peter who was not meeting his eye.

His perfect son, or so he thought because Tony was looking at Peter now and wondered if Peter was still the son he knew.

It reminded him how reckless he was during the first few years of being Iron Man. And recklessness isn't most certainly the trait he wanted to pass on to his kid, worried if that phase in his life might have influenced Peter in a bad way.

"Are you hurt?"

With a voice low in tone, Peter answered,

"No."

An inconvenient stretch of silence came between them before Tony started,

"Turns out, it wasn't just robotics class, wasn't it?"

Tony gestured the hologram in front of them, hundreds of video recordings of Peter working in the lab, footage at the warehouse, using the fabricator displayed, where Peter thought he had already deleted everything. Then comes every report from the local news.

The friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man saving the day.

"The crime-fighting hero of Queens, huh. Spiderling, Spiderboy?"

"Spider-Man." Peter corrected.

Tony huffed and nodded, "Spider-Man."

He leaned on the edge of the table across Peter asking, "Do you think you're invincible, Spider-Man? All those guns pointing at you. Do you think they won't shoot? You're at the very top of the monument with no parachute. One single misstep and you can plunge to your death. Do you think you can survive that drop? Do you think your enhanced healing will just stitch all of you up instantly?"

Peter stayed silent, still unable to meet his eye.

"The amount of sneaking around my back, doing the one thing I told you not to do." Tony shoved on every word, stepping closer to Peter.

"All this time I thought you were focusing on your academics. Then I got a call from the principal, saying that you did not participate in the competition because you sneaked out last night from the hotel. You always miss club meetings. You already dropped Robotics, missed classes, cutting detention, and the list goes on. I don't think you even studied a blink of the SAT's that you've kept as an excuse during the entire summer."

Tony paused, gazing at Peter intently, wondering what his kid was even thinking,

"I've never once… not once, thought you're capable of this, Peter. You used to be terrible at keeping secrets but now, you've been lying through your teeth, lied to my face, every single day for almost an entire year now.

"From being an overachiever into…" Tony wavered, "You're about to drop everything you've ever worked hard for since you were a kid and just be a superhero? Is that it? You want to be a drop-out?"

"No."

"Then why?" Tony's voice rose, "Why?"

A tear glided from Peter's cheeks, "I'm sorry Dad."

"Sorry doesn't cut it."

"I just wanted to be like you."

"and I wanted you to be better."

A painful silence settled between them. The thing that Tony had been worried about finally came into existence with his son wanting to become like him.

Peter's voice cracked, "I'm not a kid anymore, Dad. I can do a lot more now. I can take care of myself."

"You're just 14! Not 18. Barely even 21," Tony brushed half his face from frustration. He cannot understand why Peter is such in a hurry to be an adult. Adults don't even want to be an adult. And more so than not, adults don't even know how to adult.

"If you want to be an adult then be responsible. And these are not the actions of a responsible one."

Tony breathed a heavy sigh saying, "With great power, comes great responsibility, Peter. From now on, you're grounded. After school, you come straight home. Hand in the suit and all of that equipment. I expect it to be here in the lab by tomorrow morning."

"Until when?"

"Forever."

"Forever? No, Dad. I worked hard for this. You don't understand. I'm nothing without this suit. Without this suit, I will just go back to being me that cannot do anything."

Hearing that from Peter clenched Tony's chest. Peter had done the most amazing things even without wearing a suit. Peter being his jolly and innocent son was and is the the most amazing thing that ever happened to him. How could his son ever think that?

"If you're nothing without this suit then you shouldn't have it."

After a few moments, Tony walked past Peter who stayed behind contemplating all his actions and the consequences it made.

---

When Tony woke up the next morning, he made his usual breakfast smoothie and saw Peter at the lab, already in school clothes, surrendering the suit on one of the tables.

Tony walked in, "You already ate breakfast?"

Peter nodded, "Morning, Dad."

Tony opened his arms and Peter folded into his father's embrace. "You know I'm not trying to ruin your life, right?"

"I know," Peter mumbled.

Tony placed a kiss on Peter's head,

"You are everything, Peter. You're my everything. I hope you remember that."

Peter tried to smile but it didn't reach his eyes.

"Okay go on, Happy's waiting. You'll be late. I'll see you later. I love you."

"I love you, Dad."

Once Peter stepped out of the elevator, Tony motioned, "Friday, secure the lab and let's have some music."

One of the father-son duo's favorite rock songs played while Tony inspected the Spider-Man suit.

He couldn't help but feel proud of what Peter had already accomplished. It was his son's very own Mark I.

He first tested the tensile strength of the web shooter and compared it to the initial prototypes of the glue tech. He was amazed at how Peter had managed to improve it with off-the-charts durability. Pound for pound, it was stronger than steel, and if twisted into threads, it could support ten tons per square meter.

Tony inwardly chuckled, he couldn't be more proud. Additionally, the choice of fabric for the suit was excellent. However, everything really needed a massive upgrade. He couldn't allow his son to be stuck in a potentially life-threatening situation without the means to address it.

"Okay Fri, let's set up the lab."

The lab propped in full-spread, the lab's own fabricator from underground and all necessary robotic equipment that Tony uses in upgrading his suits came in.

"Let's see how many shooter combinations can we make."

For less than three hours, he'd already made 576 shooter combinations.

"Ah, that'll be a lot to memorize. I'm sure Peter can manage."

Tony then installed everything that he missed installing before in his suits such as a temperature control regulator which acts like a heater during cold and a cooler during hotter environments. A parachute that decelerates speed so he won't have to witness Peter so endangered under great heights.

"Parachute, Temperature regulator… Let's also add enhanced combat mode."

Friday interrupted, "Peter just came home, boss. He just stepped out of the elevator."

"Okay, let's keep all of this and open the prototype for Mark 46."

In a second everything is organized in place before Peter can open the lab door and draw his head to peep in,

"I'm home."

"How's school?"

"Same. Boring."

Peter came in and placed his bag pack on one of the chairs,

"Can I study the SAT's here while you work?

"As long as it's real SAT's now." Tony stood from his seat and placed an arm around Peter, realizing he only had that green smoothie this morning.

"Let's grab a bite before that and tell me all about your adventures in the past months."

"You'd really want to know?"

"Oh, I'm dying to know, Pete. Dying." Tony dramatically said grinning.

Peter laughed lightly, a smile now reaching his eyes.

He ruffled Peter's hair, his arm around his son, as they headed out of the lab to discover another famous resto in Manhattan to try out.

---

Life ain't so bad after all.

Peter returned to his normal routine, actively participating and answering questions on class discussions, gossip sessions and building Lego's at school lunches with Ned, stealing glances at Mj, and reviewing for the SATs after school while he watched his Dad work on Mark 46.

Even though that hard confrontation with his Dad had really hurt his feelings, he also couldn't resent his Dad for long.

He'd grown to accept that Dad's right, that what he did was wrong. He really screwed up through his countless lies and sneaking out. He broke a promise and made some terrible decisions and he's suffering the consequences, and this is just being responsible and taking responsibility.

Seeing the disappointment in his Dad's eyes really broke something within him. It's something he never thought Dad would feel about him. He wouldn't want to do it again and disappoint the only one he highly looks up to and loves the most in the world.

Although, every now and then, he misses swinging across buildings and the feeling of relief that comes with saving people.

He relied on what he had been investigating in DC with his dad and received an earful of 'There are people who deal with this kind of thing, Peter,' and was assured that his dad would personally make sure the FBI made it a top priority. Truth be told, a week later, some goons of the syndicate were apprehended at the ferry, although the mastermind is still at large.

It was dreadful having detention since he had been stuck in it for a week since the incident, but Mj sat in almost every day and somehow made it bearable. She sketched people around, mostly him, and made weird trivia, quizzing him on facts about topics regarding their classes.

She said it was to antagonize him, but the effect was quite the opposite with him. One day after detention, he ran to Mj's side and stopped her after exiting the school doors,

"There's this thing that I wanted to talk to you about for a while, MJ."

With a curious glance, she turned towards him, "Oh? What is it?'

He hoped he hadn't missed his chance, mustering the courage to ask, "Do you want to go with me to Homecoming tomorrow?"

Mj blinked a couple of times confused, "I— I thought you were going to ask Liz."

"I was." Peter chuckled, "I had a crush on her since last year. I know, but I guess that changed recently."

She furrowed her brow, the question prompting a flurry of confusion in her mind,

"Why?"

"You see me out of anyone else." Peter hesitated, his words carrying a weight of uncertainty before he continued, "And now… I see you."

MJ bit her lip, attempting to stifle her laughter, but it bubbled out regardless, "Okay, Peter, that's possibly the cheesiest thing I've ever heard," she said, unable to contain her grin. "But it's also kind of sweet." Pausing for a moment, she finally conceded, "Alright, I'm in. I'll go with you to Homecoming."

Peter's face lighted up, "Really?"

"Yes." Mj nervously laughed, "At first, I really thought you were gonna reveal you're Spider-Man"

"What? No," Peter backed away, "I'm not Spider-Man."

MJ snorted incredulously, "Well, it's kind of obvious. Peter, Washington? Spider-Man is a local superhero here in New York then suddenly he's in Washington? Then the fact that you disappeared out of nowhere for no reason then saved the team."

"Well, it's because I've been feeling sick and cold from swimming."

"It's a heated pool. You swam laps and were so energetic then you got cold, out of nowhere, just like that?" Mj squinted, still not convinced.

"I got a weak immune system. Everyone knows that."

"Yes, before. But you've been different since last year. You hit homeruns now. You swim lapses?"

"I— " Peter scoured for an excuse but he couldn't think of any anymore, "Wow, you're really watching me, huh."

Mj's gaze dropped like she'd been caught red-handed.

Peter's smile faded, "Well, there's no Spider-Man anymore. I've done some pretty bad lying and sneaking and Dad confiscated my suit so."

Mj tried to console, "I'm sorry, Peter."

Right then, a honk from a car brought them back and saw Happy from the driver's seat waiting for Peter.

Peter offered, "Would you like to catch a ride with us? We can drop you off at your place or anywhere else you need to go."

MJ paused, weighing her options but then figured why not. A car ride sounds much better than squeezing into the subway during rush hour.

---

"Peter's got a girl," Happy announced in a teasing tone as soon as they stepped inside the penthouse, "He dropped her off at her house."

Peter covered half his face from embarrassment.

Tony got out of the bedroom, wearing a business suit, "Oh, really now? What's her name?"

Peter's expression lifted, "Mj. She's my date to Homecoming."

Tony squinted in confusion, "I thought you liked Liz? Well, I guess it's too late now to introduce you to Shuri, the princess of Wakanda. Really smart kid. Have I mentioned she invited us to visit Wakanda?"

"She's older than me, Dad. And you did mention, yes. But MJ's really great. I really like her, Dad."

Tony grazed Peter's cheeks with his thumb, "I'm happy for you. Let's meet her when I come back."

"You're going somewhere?" Peter watched as his dad picked up some stuff coming and going from the lab.

"Yup, Berlin. They already found who bombed the Accords. Unfortunately, it's Cap's friend, the Winter Soldier. Cap tried to help him escape. Rhodes apprehended them and now The Avengers are involved."

Tony sighed, "Really a mess."

Tony walked towards Peter and levelled with him, their height almost at par with each other, "But I'll try to be here at your homecoming party tomorrow, help you prep. If not, Pepper will be here, okay? And Happy will be here to facilitate moving some stuff in the jet, isn't that right, Happy?"

Happy gave a thumbs-up, "Count on me, boss."

Tony tapped Peter's shoulders, "Peter, just enjoy it, okay? Get your mind off things. Don't do anything I would do, and definitely don't do anything I wouldn't do. There's a middle ground there, and that's where you operate. Got it?"

Peter smiled, "Got it, Dad. Don't worry about me."

Tony wrapped his arms around Peter in a comforting embrace,

"Can't help it."

---

"You're so dashingly handsome, Peter." Pepper complimented.

They're inside the car parked near the school gym. Peter's wearing a structured fit Zegna suit in burgundy, highlighting Peter's toned physique, with one unbuttoned polo shirt underneath, with his glasses making him look like the finest geek in school.

Pepper planned this entire look and styled him from head to toe. He's really grateful to always have her by their side.

"Thanks, Mom," Peter said, smiling. It took him a second before realizing what he said, "I— I mean, thank you, Pepper. I really, really appreciate what you—"

Pepper embraced Peter in her arms before he could finish, she felt like her heart clenched in an overwhelmingly good way after hearing Peter call her mom for the first time, from the kid she already treated and loved like her own since he was a kid.

Her eyes glossed in happiness as she said, "You're always welcome, sweetheart. You don't know how hearing that meant so much to me."

"Mom," Peter said again as they both chuckled.

Peter brushed a tear gliding from Pepper's cheek. A warm feeling washed over him as he finally said it to the person who'd been a mother figure to him for so long.

"You sure Mj doesn't want us to pick her up?"

"She insisted. She said her Dad's going to drop her off and just wait here."

Moments later a car parked beside them and Peter goes out of the car to welcome her.

When Mj stepped out, Peter gasped for breath and almost had his mouth hanging, Mj wore an eye-searing pink gown with a gauzy goddess train.

"Wow," Peter breathed, presenting Mj with a bouquet of roses. "You're absolutely stunning."

MJ stepped out feeling tense, but upon seeing Peter, her tension melted away, replaced by a relaxed smile. A breath of relief escaped her lips as she uttered a heartfelt, "Thanks."

"MJ, I'd like you to meet my mom," Peter said warmly, gesturing towards Pepper as she approached. He didn't want to reduce her significance to merely being his father's girlfriend or the CEO of Stark Industries. To him, she was much more than those titles, she was an important part of his life.

Pepper's smile blossomed, radiant as she gazed at Peter, deeply touched by his words. With a gentle gesture, she rested her hand on Peter's back, silently conveying her gratitude. Then, turning to MJ, Pepper's eyes sparkled with admiration as she enveloped her in an embrace, "Oh, you're so beautiful Mj. It's nice to meet you, I'm Pepper Potts."

"Thank you, Ms. Potts. It's a pleasure to finally meet you as well," MJ expressed, reciprocating the hug. "And this is my Dad."

After introductions were exchanged between the two families, they captured the moment with photographs, and soon enough the two parents bid goodbye to their children.

"Shall we?" Peter asked. Her arm intertwined with his as they strolled towards the gym,

A soft smile graced MJ's lips as she admired Peter's presence, "You look handsome, Peter Stark," she said, her words painting a warm blush across his cheeks.

They then saw Ned, Betty, Cindy, Liz, and the man beside Liz who chauffeured her off. A chill ran down his back as the man looked him in the eye. His spider-senses tingled relieving his encounter on the truck in DC with the mastermind of the syndicate still on the loose.

Peter pulled his spider tracer from his pocket, letting it crawl and attach to the man's clothes before the man or more like Liz's father, Mr. Toomes drove off.

"Peter, you okay?" Mj asked beside him and ever observantly said, "You've been staring at Liz's father for over a minute now. Something wrong?"

"Nothing." Peter nervously laughed, "Just thought he looked familiar. Should we go inside?"

The event kicked off, and the pulsating lights synchronized perfectly with the music, setting the dance floor alive. Amidst the vibrant atmosphere, Peter found himself shrouded in a cloud of tension, his mind solely fixated on his next move. It was as if the world around him had muffled into insignificance, drowned out by his inner thoughts.

This situation is definitely the "Don't do anything I would do, and definitely don't do anything I wouldn't do" that Dad said.

Peter, Ned, and Mj were all dancing together in a circle when Mj asked, "Peter, what is it?"

Ned nodded in agreement. "Yeah, dude. Spit it out. You're zoning out and nervous at the same time. It's totally ruining your look."

He pulled Mj and Ned aside to the lockers, "The guy with the wings is Liz's dad. I have a feeling he's to hijack the Starkjet tonight."

Peter grabbed his spare shooters from his locker. But his first onesie prototype was left at the lake house.

"There's lots of important stuff there, even Dad's spare miniature reactors are in there. There's no way I'll let all of that go into the wrong hands."

He got connected to Happy's line in a sec.,

"Happy, you need to stop Moving Day. Someone's going to hijack the jet."

"Peter, no one knew it's moving day. Except me, you, boss, and this crew right here and at the compound who had undergone multiple security clearances. I'm really busy. We're on schedule. We have 15 minutes till wheels up."

"Happy, no, no, no. Please listen to me, you got to stop it—"

"I'm supposed to chauffeur you later. I had strict orders from your Dad to only pick you up after Homecoming ended which is two hours from now. I'll be there at 10. I'll block any more calls from you. You're supposed to be having the time of your life partying with your date. Just enjoy the party. Please."

The call ended, and when Peter attempted to reconnect, it was already blocked.

"Damn it, Happy," Peter muttered under his breath.

Ned began, his voice tinged with concern,

"Peter, don't tell us that you're—"

"I'm going to stop him. I'm already tracking Mr. Toomes on my phone." Peter declared, "Ned I need you to hack into Happy's phone and try to convince him that this is serious."

"Why don't you just call your dad, Peter?" MJ suggested.

Peter considered for a second before finally calling his dad with his glasses.

"That glasses can call a person?" Ned asked in bewilderment.

"Yeah, it can only call my Dad though, this doesn't have Friday in it, unlike the one that my Dad has."

It only rang until it went to voicemail with Friday saying his Dad would call him back later.

"He's in Berlin. He doesn't answer calls unless he's somewhere really important. He won't be able to come here in time anyway. I'm so sorry, MJ, but I need to go. I don't think my conscience can take it when I can do something about it but did nothing at all."

With a mix of concern and newfound respect, MJ couldn't help but urge, "Please be safe."

"But you don't have the Spider-Man suit," Ned pointed out.

Peter finally realized, "I don't need one."

His identity exceeds the confines of a suit. He is Spider-Man with or without it. The essence of his heroism lies not in the suit he wears, but in the courage and sense of responsibility that defines him.

Just in time, Flash's car skidded to a stop at the entrance, the headlights casting long shadows across the lockers where the trio stood. The engine's growl echoed through the parking lot as Flash emerged, his keys dangling from his fingertips.

Peter's senses tingled as he swung into action, his web shooters snatching the keys from Flash's grasp before he could react.

Flash's expression shifted into astonishment as he recognized the webbing, unmistakably from the web of his idolized hero, Spider-Man.

Locking eyes with Flash, Peter exuded confidence and determination.

"You owe me this one, Flash," Peter asserted firmly, his voice unwavering as he strode past.

Flash could only manage a single word in respect, "Stark," he said, eyes following Peter's departing figure.

Minutes later, Ned and Mj sneaked inside the library, between rows of computers. Ned started to make his magic when they received a call from Peter,

"Hey, where are the headlights on this thing?"

"I'll pull the specs. You stole Flash's car. Sick." Ned cackled.

"Genius move, Peter," MJ said, "He finally called you Stark, you know."

"Yeah, that's awe—" On the other end, Peter swayed and nearly crashed into other cars. "—some. Get out of the way. Get out. Move, move."

"Peter, don't tell us you don't know how to drive."

There's a reason why his Dad doesn't let him near a steering wheel again, not until summer break when he can practice,

"I've never driven before in streets. Only in the compound with Dad where there's no traffic. This is a huge step up."

Ned guided Peter on how to turn on his headlights. Finally, Peter arrived at his destination at Brooklyn Industrial Compound after nearly crashing into everybody's cars.

Unfortunately, there's still no news from Happy. The lights in the library switched on, Ned and Mj turned to see their Chemistry teacher eyeing them down,

"What are you two doing? There's a dance and you're wasting your outfits sitting here."

---

Peter swung inside the dark abandoned two-story compound quietly from the top. Upon reaching the second floor, he saw different tech types of equipment, CCTV monitoring the Tower from a distance. He clenched his fist at the invasion of privacy, this is how these goons knew it was moving day.

He heard noise from downstairs and proceeded to it seeing a parking lot area with metal bar posts.

"It's over, Toomes. Surrender now and maybe they'll give you a lesser sentence for your crimes." Peter called out in the dark, not revealing where he was.

"Mr. Peter Stark." Toomes greeted from a distance, "I thought I'd be seeing Spider-Man today but you're here as yourself."

Peter walked closer, the light illuminated his face, shooting a web that glued Toome's hand against the desk.

Toomes chortled mockingly, "You know how I recognized you as Spider-Man? Your voice from the bus hijack sounds strangely familiar. Then I figured you're in that picture of my daughter's decathlon team. But also realized you're Stark's son. We still had those magazine covers when you were young, Stark Scion.

"You know, I don't know why you Starks always meddle with things you don't need to meddle with. Did you know that the reason I'm doing this for a living is because of your father? Because Iron Man owns Damage Control, who one day after the New York invasion, decided to take away jobs so that his monopoly can take control."

Peter disagrees, "Extraterrestrial artifacts should be handled by experts that's why Damage Control." It is exactly the reason why Damage Control is built so that it won't get into the wrong hands, "Stealing is bad enough, but selling these to criminals to do more crimes is gravely wrong."

"How do you think Tony Stark and your grandfather made your empire huh? Or any of his little toys that he likes to call his armour. You don't understand cause you're rich and powerful. Never had to suffer a day in your life.

"But to guys like me, ordinary people. You or those guys they righteously call The Avengers don't care about us. We built their roads, we fall victim to their wars, and when they succeed in their battle, they only win but they don't care about us. We pick after them. We have to eat their table scraps. That's how it is.

"But why am I even explaining it to you? You won't even understand."

But Peter does understand. As much as he'd like it not to be this way everyone suffers in their own way. Some a victim of their circumstance, some not. And amidst the suffering and pain, some continue to do good things, while some let the pain corrupt them.

He'd seen it with Dad over the years since he was a kid. Despite the world's perception of his dad, Tony Stark, as wealthy and powerful as he may be, was not immune to the suffering and trauma stemming from the loss of his parents and the assassination attempt in Afghanistan, but all of this became a strength to fight and do good, while his enemies all have the same agenda to stop him.

It goes the same with all the other heroes he's known. They continue to protect and fight for what's right, amidst the chaos and suffering this life has to offer.

"You know, I do understand. Your mindset is flawed and corrupted as every other criminal there is. But what I don't understand is why are you telling me this?" Peter asked.

"Oh, nothing… just waiting to make her airborne."

Vulture's wing suit flies out from behind Peter's back.

Peter managed to jump and avoid but it continuously attacked him on every post he swung into, also slicing through the metal bar posts. Vulture took a folding knife out of his pocket and cut free from the web.

"I'm sorry, Peter," Vulture said.

"What are you talking about? That thing hasn't even touched me yet."

Vulture shrugged, "True, but then again, wasn't really trying to."

A large crack from the ceiling came, destabilizing the foundation upstairs and before Peter knew it, all of the concrete came crashing down, destroying everything that came in between.

It took minutes before Peter gained consciousness in the dark. He realized his hand was on top of his head, his watch that morphed into a gauntlet earlier was protecting his head.

A large pile of concrete is on top of him and pushing multitudes of weight on his back. His gauntlet's completely shattered now and he has absolutely no chance to cut the rocks.

He tried to push the concrete up but it was only met in vain. He grunted and lifted but his strength only proved inadequate from the magnanimous weight.

He heaved and puffed from the diminished oxygen.

"Please, help!" He screamed in agony, "I'm down here. I'm stuck. I can't move, I can't."

He let out a cry. He's losing hope. He feels he's going to be stuck here and die. He can't die like this. He can't die yet, there are still so many things he'd like to do, to experience. He can't leave his dad yet.

"Dad, help me, please. Please. I'm sorry. I should've listened." Peter cried. He felt like he was about to drown, but instead of water, it's piles of rocks pushing down his lungs.

His dad's not here to save him, dad's so far away. He knows his dad won't be able to rescue him. No one will be able to rescue him.

A puddle formed in front of him leaking from the rocks and he saw his reflection. Alone and scared, covered in dirt, helpless. The voice of his Dad echoed in his head,

"With great power, comes great responsibility Peter…"

From there, he sees it. A glimmer of hope, even only the tiniest bit of it.

"If you're nothing without this suit then you shouldn't have it…"

His masked persona and his suit don't define him, don't complete him. He is already whole and complete even without it.

"You are everything. You're my everything. I hope you remember that."

His strength comes from within, his willingness to help, to survive, to live. He could win this.

"C'mon Spider-Man," He said repeatedly as he grunted and exuded all his strength and lifted the tons of concrete.

This is him taking responsibility. This is him fighting for what's right.