Summary: After rescuing his son, Tony comes to a realization, with the help of Clint Barton, of all people.

Chapter 17: How to be a Hero

The Avengers meeting had dragged on longer than Tony cared for, with Steve going through every excruciating detail about a newly discovered Hydra base in Eastern Europe. But Tony's mind had already drifted back to his workshop, to the morning he'd spent tinkering with the Iron Man suit he and his son had been working on together. Tony still felt a swell of pride whenever he thought about it—about how quickly Aidan had taken to the work, how easily he understood the mechanics, the energy, the intricacies. Smart, resourceful—a natural, he thought with a faint smile.

Steve continued outlining the logistics, his tone as focused as ever. Tony's phone buzzed—a text from Happy, saying he couldn't pick Aidan up from school. Tony considered slipping out, maybe even grabbing Aidan himself and swinging by their favorite burger place. But he brushed the thought aside, smiling. Kid could use a little freedom, he thought. Besides, Aidan would be thrilled to get home on his own. And when he did, Tony could see his face light up at the adjustments they'd made to the suit together. He'd just sit tight, nod his way through "Captain America's Greatest Hits: Hydra Edition," and wait for his son to come home.

The room was familiar, almost comforting, in an Avengers sort of way. Steve was deep in his spiel about Hydra, Clint was cracking jokes from a video call from his home in Iowa, and Nat shot Tony a knowing look, as if she'd read his mind and knew he'd checked out five minutes ago. Everything felt routine—almost peaceful, as peaceful as things got in their line of work.

And then, in an instant, FRIDAY's voice cut through the chatter like a knife.

"Boss, Young Boss's phone temperature has spiked dramatically. It is likely on fire."

Tony's heart dropped into his stomach. For a split second, he could barely comprehend what he'd just heard. "What?" His voice was sharp, panicked, filling the room with a tension that hadn't been there seconds before.

The room fell silent, every Avenger's gaze snapping to him. "FRIDAY," he said louder, the urgency clawing its way into his voice. "Locate him. Now."

FRIDAY's response was immediate, and it chilled him to the bone. "He's at an apartment building on Jackson Ave, Queens. Twitter reports indicate it's engulfed in flames and likely to collapse at any moment."

Tony felt the ground slip away from him, as though he were falling and couldn't catch himself. His son's face flashed through his mind, the thought of him trapped in that inferno, helpless, alone. No, no, no… not like this. He shoved back from the table, barely able to focus, fumbling as he ordered FRIDAY to mobilize the team. His voice shook. "Suit up, now. We have to get to him."

Steve was at his side in an instant, eyes steady and resolute. "Got it. Tony, he's going to be okay. We'll get him out."

The room sprang into action, the air thick with tension and urgency. Natasha gave Tony a quick nod, her voice calm but fierce. "We're getting him out, Tony. Just stay with us."

They all bolted to suit up, and Tony barely registered the chaos around him. It was all a blur—one moment he was strapping into his Iron Man suit, his mind racing with thoughts of Aidan, and the next, he was shooting into the sky, leaving only smoke trails behind as he flew at top speed toward Queens. The Avengers were close behind him, each one as determined and focused as he was, but Tony barely noticed. His thoughts were a whirlwind of Why didn't I go pick him up? and Please let him be okay.

As they neared the site, the horizon was streaked with a dark, ominous plume of smoke twisting into the sky. Flames tore through the crumbling building, licking up the walls and bursting through shattered windows, leaving nothing untouched. The structure groaned, barely holding together, threatening to collapse with each passing second.

Then, just as he surged forward, Tony's phone buzzed. Aidan. His heart nearly stopped as he answered, every nerve in his body tense.

"Dad?" The voice on the other end was small and terrified.

Tony forced himself to stay steady, pouring every bit of reassurance he had into his words. "Addie, I'm here. FRIDAY told me you went inside. I'm already on my way, kiddo, with the whole team. Almost there. Just… hang on for me, okay? I need you to hold on."

There was a broken silence before Aidan's voice, weak and trembling, came through. "Dad… I… I can't feel my leg. I… I can't breathe right. I think… I think this is it."

Tony's world shattered. "No, Aidan, listen to me. You're not going anywhere. I'm right here. Just hold on a little longer. I'm so close. You're strong, kiddo. You've got this. Just… keep talking to me, okay?"

He could hear Aidan's breaths coming in shallow gasps, each one fainter than the last. His son's voice broke, so soft, so young. "Dad… I didn't mean for this to happen. I just wanted to help. I… I messed up, Dad. I'm so sorry."

"Addie, no. You didn't mess up," Tony choked out, the desperation thick in his voice. "You're so brave, and I'm so proud of you. Just hold on, okay? I'm almost there. Just stay with me."

Aidan's breaths grew fainter, each one dragging Tony closer to a reality he couldn't bear. "Tell Mom… tell her I love her. And I… I love you too, Dad. So much."

The line went silent, and Tony's chest tightened until he could barely breathe. Tears prickled in his eyes as he pushed forward, his voice shaking as he fought to hold himself together. "Aidan, please. Just hold on a little longer. I'm not losing you. Not like this. Just… please stay with me."

Finally, Tony landed outside the building, his gaze snapping to the inferno before him, his heart pounding as he took in the devastation. Flames leapt from every window, thick smoke billowing in waves. The building groaned, massive chunks of concrete collapsing. It was a nightmare, and his son was inside, waiting.

Steve landed beside him, gripping his shoulder. "We're going in together, Tony. We're bringing him out."

Wanda stepped forward, fierce and determined. "I'll hold the structure. You just get him."

Tony barely registered their words, his mind locked on one thing: Aidan. The Avengers moved as one, each laser-focused. Vision was the first to phase through the walls, his form gliding through the chaos, creating small air pockets, stabilizing areas for the team. His voice crackled through the comms. "I've located Aidan. He's on the ground floor, northwest corner… and he's holding a small dog."

A wave of emotion surged through Tony. Even unconscious, his son had somehow managed to protect something vulnerable. He felt a flicker of pride, mixed with frustration at Aidan's unyielding selflessness. Vision phased back toward them, leading the team through the flaming maze, pockets of clearer air forming around them.

As Tony rounded the final corner, his heart almost stopped. There was Aidan, lying motionless beneath debris, his gym shirt tied around his face as a makeshift mask, his arm wrapped protectively around a small, soot-streaked dog nestled at his side. But Tony's stomach dropped at the sight of a metal pole piercing Aidan's thigh, blood pooling darkly around the wound. His son's face was ghostly pale, his breaths shallow and weak.

"Addie…" Tony's voice cracked as he dropped down beside him, barely holding it together, his eyes darting over Aidan's injuries, relief and horror clashing in his mind. "Kid… what were you thinking?"

Natasha was already there, crouching down beside Aidan, her face set in fierce concentration. She quickly assessed the wound, pulling a strip of fabric from her gear and tying it above the injury to slow the bleeding. "It's bad, Tony," she murmured, her hands moving with practiced efficiency. "But we can stabilize him if we move fast."

Tony's hand trembled as he brushed back Aidan's hair, taking in every bruise, every cut. "I'm here, kiddo. I'm here." His voice was thick, his heart breaking at the sight of Aidan lying there, vulnerable, barely holding on.

Nat finished securing the makeshift bandage, meeting Tony's eyes with urgency. "He's stable enough to move, but we need to get him to the med bay. Now."

Just then, Aidan's eyes flickered open, a faint glimmer of recognition as he looked up at Tony. His lips moved, and a barely-there whisper escaped. "Dad…"

Tony's heart clenched. "I'm right here, Addie. We're getting you out." He gripped his son's hand tightly, his voice trembling. "You're gonna be okay. We're right here."

Steve and Rhodey moved in without a word, gently lifting the debris, each movement slow and deliberate. Vision phased beside them, creating clear pockets of air, his face set in grim determination. "Path is clear," he said. "Tony, stay close. We'll get him out."

With Wanda's powers holding the ceiling steady and Vision keeping their path clear, they carefully lifted Aidan. Tony cradled him in his arms, Natasha pressing down on his thigh, doing everything she could to stem the bleeding as they moved through the wreckage. Each step felt like an eternity, Tony's mind looping with panic and guilt, replaying every moment that led them here.

Finally, they emerged from the smoke into the cool, open air. The med team was waiting, moving with swift precision as they transferred Aidan onto a stretcher. Tony held his breath, his hands refusing to let go of his son's, even as the medics began their work, attaching oxygen and monitoring his vitals.

As they wheeled Aidan toward the med bay, Tony followed closely, unwilling to let him out of his sight. The panic still pulsed through him, his heart pounding with a terror he couldn't shake.

Steve came to stand beside him, a quiet pillar of support in the chaos. "He's strong, Tony," he murmured. "He's going to pull through."

Tony nodded, barely hearing him, his gaze locked on Aidan, his heart breaking at the sight of his son lying there, battered and bruised but alive.

The hours in the tower's med bay had felt like years. Tony, shoulders rigid and eyes fixed on the door, barely moved, each minute a fresh weight of dread pressing down on him. Pepper sat beside him, her eyes rimmed red, holding back tears, and the Avengers kept a respectful silence, the tension between them thick and unmoving. Every so often, someone shifted, but no one dared break the stillness. They all knew that until Dr. Cho came through that door, the only thing they had was their worry.

Finally, the door opened, and Dr. Cho stepped in, her expression serious but steady. Her gaze swept over them, pausing on Tony and Pepper, and she took a small breath before beginning.

"Aidan's injuries are quite severe," she said, her voice calm yet laced with empathy. "He has substantial burns, mostly first and second-degree, that will need careful monitoring. More concerning is the injury to his thigh—the metal pole pierced deep into the muscle, and that will take time and care to heal."

A soft gasp escaped Pepper, her hand covering her mouth, and Tony's fists clenched, the severity of Aidan's condition landing like a punch. Dr. Cho continued, her tone precise but gentle.

"Given the extent of the trauma, it's a very good thing you got him here when you did. He was in critical condition upon arrival. The pressure and bleeding from his leg injury had already begun to compromise blood flow. Any more delay, and we would likely be facing a very different outcome."

Tony's breath hitched, her words hitting him hard, but then her gaze softened, and she offered a faint, reassuring smile.

"However, Aidan's accelerated healing is working in his favor. Combined with the high-calorie intake you've maintained for him, his body is in a far better state for recovery than most patients would be with such injuries. I'm recommending a full week of bed rest—absolutely no activity. After that, he can ease into light movement, and within three weeks, I expect he'll make a full recovery."

A ripple of relief passed through the room. Pepper's tears finally slipped free, her hand pressed to her mouth, and Tony's shoulders dropped, his face reflecting a blend of gratitude, exhaustion, and relief.

Dr. Cho turned to Tony, a knowing smile in her eyes. "You did the right thing, Tony, keeping his calorie intake up. It's made a crucial difference, along with his natural healing ability. With time and patience, I believe he'll be just fine."

Steve placed a steadying hand on Tony's shoulder, and Natasha offered a gentle smile, the room's collective worry finally giving way to hope.

Tony's voice was thick with gratitude. "Thank you… really, Helen."

She nodded, a warm assurance in her tone. "He's strong, Tony. He'll be back on his feet soon, I promise."

Pepper stepped forward, her voice soft, thick with emotion. "Is he stable enough for us to see him?"

Dr. Cho gave a small nod, her tone gentle but firm. "Yes, but I'd recommend only you and Tony for now. He's still very weak, and too many visitors could overwhelm him."

Taking a deep breath, Tony steadied himself as he and Pepper entered the room together. There, lying pale and bruised in the hospital bed, was Aidan. Despite the exhaustion etched into his features, his breathing was steady, a reminder that he was safe—that he'd made it through. Relief washed over Tony, a wave so powerful it nearly overwhelmed him. He's okay. He's here.

As Aidan's eyes fluttered open, they landed on Tony and Pepper, and for a brief, precious moment, everything else faded away. But then, the first thing out of Aidan's mouth, his voice hoarse but filled with concern, was, "The dog… is it okay?"

Tony's throat closed up, any words he might have had getting lost somewhere between anger and exasperation. The dog? His kid had nearly died—nearly died—and his first question was about the dog.

That was the breaking point. Something raw and fierce ignited in Tony's chest, the relief giving way to anger—a deep, frustrated anger that had been building for far too long. He'd tried everything. He'd taken away Aidan's suit, kept him busy with projects, even spanked him, hoping to keep his son from risking his life. He'd practically begged, tried every approach he could think of to keep Aidan safe. And yet, the second Aidan saw someone in danger, even better—some mutt in danger, he was out there again, no hesitation, no second thoughts, putting himself in harm's way.

Tony's voice caught in his throat, and before he could say anything, before he could snap or let his frustration spill out, he spun around and walked out of the room. Pepper's soft, confused voice echoed behind him, "Tony? Where are you going?"

He couldn't answer, couldn't even look back. All he could think was that none of it mattered. Every punishment, every rule, every carefully chosen word—it was all worthless. The kid had no suit, no web-shooters, no protection whatsoever, and still, he'd run into a burning building for a fucking mutt. Nothing Tony did or said seemed to register with him.

He pushed past the concerned looks from the Avengers and made his way to the workshop, the silence around him deafening. He barely noticed the half-empty bottle of wine on the shelf as he grabbed it, tipping it back with a bitter, humorless thought: Guess today's my cheat day.

The wine burned down his throat, but it did nothing to drown out the feeling gnawing at his chest. He'd done everything he could think of, and still, he was powerless to protect his own son. Aidan's stubbornness, his drive to help others, his fucking compassion—they were going to get him killed one day, and there was nothing Tony could do about it.

His phone buzzed, snapping him from his spiraling thoughts. He glanced down at the screen, groaning when he saw Clint's name. He picked up, voice laced with sarcasm. "If you're calling for a pep talk, Barton, you're a little late."

There was a pause, then Clint's cautious voice. "Tony… just calling to check on the kid. You sound… uh, rough."

"Oh, rough?" Tony laughed bitterly. "Rough doesn't even begin to cover it. Just got out of the med bay, where my kid's lying there, stitched together like a Frankenstein experiment, and the first thing out of his mouth is if the dog is okay. The dog."

Clint let out a low whistle. "Yeah, that… that sounds like him. Selfless to a fault, huh?"

"Selfless? Try completely oblivious to his own mortality!" Tony snapped, pacing the room. "I've lectured him, coaxed him, spanked him, begged him, practically wrapped him in bubble wrap, and he still manages to go and risk his life. I've taken his suit, stripped him of every weapon, and he goes and—" He broke off, frustration bleeding through every word. "Clint, I've tried everything. Everything! And he's still out there like he's got a death wish."

There was a silence on the other end, then Clint's voice, softer, a little more thoughtful. "Look, Tony… Aidan's got a big heart. He's going to help people, whether he's got the suit or not. He takes after you."

"Don't give me that," Tony muttered, his voice thick with frustration and fear. "I don't want him to be like me, Clint. I know the cost of this life—I know it. And he's just a kid. He shouldn't have to carry this weight."

Clint's voice softened, cutting through the storm of Tony's emotions like an anchor. "Tony, listen to me. Aidan's got that heart, that drive, and he's not going to just sit back. You know it. You can't change that. But you can teach him how to survive it."

Tony clenched his fists, his voice rising. "You don't get it, Clint! He's fourteen! I don't want him to have to survive anything. I want him safe. I want him home, away from all this… this mess that nearly destroyed me… that broke that Maximoff kid. But he won't listen. He keeps… he keeps running into danger, and I don't know how much longer I can watch him do it."

Clint's voice stayed steady, but his words struck deep. "Tony, he's young. Right now, all he sees is people in trouble, and he knows he can help. That's who he is—a kid who can't just stand by. You can't take that out of him, but you can guide it. You've got to show him how to be a hero without it costing him everything."

Tony's frustration boiled over. "But he's just a kid, Clint! A kid who's supposed to be worrying about school, about friends—not about dragging people out of burning buildings. I'm supposed to protect him from this, keep him safe. And when I try to stop him, he just… he just charges right past me like I'm a speed bump."

Clint's tone remained calm but firm, the voice of a man who'd faced down his own fears. "I get it, Tony. It's terrifying, watching your kid dive headfirst into danger. But if you keep trying to stand in his way, he's going to go around you. What he needs isn't a wall in front of him—he needs someone to teach him how to be smart about being a hero. Right now, he's got the guts, the drive—but he's missing what you know better than anyone: control, strategy, and how to survive out there."

Tony's voice softened, a hint of desperation breaking through. "So what? I just… teach him how to be a hero? Isn't that just setting him up for more danger?"

Clint sighed, a wry smile in his voice. "Tony, this is Aidan we're talking about. He's going to keep doing this, suit or no suit. You can either stand on the sidelines, terrified, or you can teach him how to fight the right way—when to go in, when to pull back. Show him that being a hero isn't about throwing himself into every burning building; it's about knowing which battles are worth it. It's about being smart enough to keep himself safe so he can help the next person… and the next."

Tony fell silent, Clint's words sinking in deep, stripping away every excuse he'd used to keep Aidan from this life. Clint was right. His son was going to do this, no matter what Tony wanted. If he kept building walls, Aidan would just find a way to climb over them, leaving him unprepared and defenseless.

"Clint…" His voice cracked, the depth of his fear breaking through. "He could have died tonight. I could've lost him."

Clint's voice softened, a quiet understanding settling between them. "I know, Tony. And that fear? It never goes away. But if you want him safe, if you want to protect him… the best thing you can do is prepare him. He's already a hero in his heart. Now, he just needs you to show him what that really means. Because if you don't… he's going to keep running into danger without the tools he needs to survive it."

The room felt heavy, and Tony swallowed, a reluctant understanding taking root. Clint's words cut through all the noise in his head. Maybe he didn't need to stop Addie. Maybe, if he could give Aidan the right tools—the strength, the knowledge—he could finally protect his son in a way that mattered.

Clint's voice brought him back. "We're all scared, Tony. That's the price of being a parent. But you can't keep him safe by standing in his way. You keep him safe by standing beside him, by making sure he knows you've got his back no matter what. And if anyone can show him how to be a hero the right way, it's you."

Tony let out a dry laugh, more at himself than anything else. "Since when did you become the parenting expert?"

Clint laughed, light but sincere. "Hey, I may not have a suit or a lab full of gadgets, but I've got three kids, and I've learned a thing or two. And if a guy with a bow and arrow can keep his kids grounded, I'm pretty sure Iron Man can too. Just… take it one day at a time, Tony. You're doing better than you think."

Tony's smile softened as the tension finally began to melt away. He nodded, the tiniest hint of gratitude creeping into his voice. "Thanks, Clint. Really. You might not have a PhD, but there's some wisdom in there after all."

Clint chuckled, his tone light and easy. "Yeah, don't spread that around, though. It'd ruin my reputation."

They shared a quiet laugh—a small, wordless moment of understanding that needed no elaboration.

As Tony hung up, Clint's words lingered, slowly replacing his frustration with something he hadn't felt in a while: clarity. He'd been going about this all wrong. Instead of trying to shield Aidan from everything, maybe it was time to prepare him. If Aidan was going to keep diving headfirst into danger, then Tony would give him every tool possible to make it out alive.

He glanced around his workshop, his gaze landing on his own suits, each one meticulously crafted, every layer of armor representing something he'd needed at one time or another. A small, determined smile tugged at his lips as the idea took shape: he was going to build Aidan the safest Spiderman suit ever made.

He pictured it—reinforced with the same bulletproof material he used on his own armor, impact-resistant, equipped with air filters for smoke, and, just in case, an emergency parachute. A GPS beacon, body-temperature sensors—everything Tony could think of to give himself the tiniest shred of peace of mind. If Aidan was going to be out there, Tony was going to make sure he was protected in every way possible. No shortcuts.

But as the blueprint formed in his mind, he knew the suit alone wouldn't be enough. Aidan needed to know when to jump in and when to pull back. Tony thought of every hard-learned lesson, every mistake, every bit of wisdom he'd picked up from this insane life, and he knew he'd have to pass it all down. Aidan would need control, discipline, and the ability to stay grounded even in the thick of chaos. Being a hero wasn't just about charging into danger; it was about knowing when to walk away, to live to fight another day.

The more Tony mapped out the project, the more his helplessness faded, replaced by something he hadn't felt in a long time—hope. The fear was still there, but it felt manageable, something he could work with. If Aidan was determined to be Spiderman, then Tony was determined to make him the best-prepared Spiderman the world had ever seen.

Just then, his phone buzzed with a message, pulling him out of his thoughts:

10:48 PM

Robin Hood: Just don't make the suit too fancy, Stark. Kid'll get spoiled.

Tony smirked and typed back:

Tin Man: You say that like I know how to make anything halfway. But thanks, Clint. Kid's about to have the best damn suit out there. You know I don't mess around.

He set his phone aside and took one last look around the workshop. For the first time, his fear felt manageable, replaced by a resolve to protect Aidan in a way that actually mattered. This wasn't just about keeping him out of danger; this was about giving him the knowledge, strength, and support to be the hero he was becoming—without losing himself along the way. Tony was going to be right beside him, ready to pass on every ounce of wisdom and protection he had to offer.

With a quiet smile and a determined heart, he muttered to himself, "Alright, kid. Let's make you a hero."

Tony barely glanced up from the near-finished suit, eyes bloodshot and mind running at full speed, operating on scraps of sleep and half-stale snacks from his workshop drawer. He'd spent the last two days alone, pouring everything into this project, creating the best suit he could envision for Aidan. The suit was a marvel of engineering: reinforced material, impact resistance, air filters, GPS tracking, even an emergency parachute. Every detail accounted for. The only thing left was the AI.

He knew he couldn't just give Aidan FRIDAY; this needed to be personal, something that felt like a friend—a presence to guide him in the moments Tony couldn't be there. His thoughts trailed off as he tried to work out the details when—smack! A sharp thud landed on the back of his head, jerking him from his focus.

Startled, he turned, and there stood Pepper, her arms crossed, eyes brimming with tears, a mix of fierce worry and frustration etched across her face.

"Tony Stark," she began, voice low but steady, laced with the intensity only Pepper could manage. "Do you know how long it's been since you walked out on your son? Two days."

Tony blinked, caught off guard. "Pep… I… I was just—"

But she didn't give him a chance to finish. "Aidan has been out of his mind, Tony. He thinks you're furious with him, that he's lost your trust. Last night, he cried himself to sleep, thinking he messed up so badly that his dad wouldn't even look at him." Her voice trembled, but her gaze was unwavering. "I gave you time, Tony. I thought maybe you needed to cool down, but this? This is too much."

Tony's stomach dropped, the weight of her words crashing over him like a tidal wave. "Pep, I… I didn't mean to make him feel like that." He looked down at the suit, a flicker of shame crossing his face. "I got so caught up trying to keep him safe, trying to build something that'd protect him, that I lost track of time. I just wanted to finish this for him."

Pepper's expression softened, but her voice remained steady. "Tony, he doesn't need a suit right now. He needs to know that he still has your love, that he hasn't lost you."

Guilt hit Tony with such force it felt like a punch. "I know," he whispered, genuine regret bleeding into every word. "I messed up. I'll go talk to him—I owe him that."

She watched him, sensing there was more to it. "There's something else, isn't there?"

Tony took a deep breath. It was time to be honest. "Yeah, there is. There's something I need to talk to you about—and the team too. I need help. This is too much to handle on my own."

Pepper's face softened, worry laced with understanding. "What are you saying?"

Tony exhaled, feeling the weight of his decision. "I don't think we can keep him from being Spiderman, Pep. Not if he's truly set on it." He sighed, his voice raw. "I need to stop holding him back and start guiding him. Teach him the right way to do this, to keep himself safe, and to understand his limits. And I can't do it alone."

Her gaze filled with a mixture of pride, love, and a hint of sadness. "Tony, are you sure about this?"

He nodded, his voice low but resolute. "If anyone's going to help him become the hero he wants to be, it has to be us. I want the team's support too. He could learn so much from each of them—their experiences, their wisdom." He paused, his voice dropping even lower. "I need to face the truth. I've been holding him back out of fear, but… Clint was right. I need to prepare him."

Pepper nodded, her expression a mix of pride and concern. "I understand. But promise me this isn't just about making him another version of you. He's not Iron Man. He's Aidan. He's Spiderman. He needs to find his own way."

Tony's smile was faint but genuine. "Trust me, Pep, I want him to be better than Iron Man. That's why I need everyone's help. He's… too good, too compassionate. He needs to understand there's more to being a hero than running into every fire." He straightened, a determined glint in his eye. "I'm making him the safest suit I can, but beyond that, I want him to have the tools to keep himself safe."

Pepper reached out, squeezing his hand gently, her face softening with admiration. "Alright, Tony. Let's talk to the team. I think you're doing the right thing."

Together, they walked toward the conference room, the Avengers already gathered, each face reflecting concern and support. Tony took a steadying breath before he began.

"Look, I need your help," he said, his voice steady yet vulnerable. "Aidan…"

Tony took a breath to steady himself before walking into the med bay. No amount of preparation made it easier to see Aidan lying there, bruises fading across his face, looking fragile but determined. The kid was healing fast, but those marks… they twisted Tony's heart even more, amplifying the guilt that had been building over the past two days.

The second Aidan spotted him, his whole face crumpled, eyes filling with tears. "D-Dad…" he began, and then, like a dam breaking, the floodgates opened. Aidan became a hiccuping, sobbing mess, fat tears streaming down his face, a trickle of snot slipping from his nose. His words were jumbled between gasps, "I'm… I'm so sorry, Dad. I didn't mean to... (hicc) I didn't think you'd… (hicc) I didn't want to mess everything up," he managed, nearly drowned out by his crying. "I know I messed up (hicc) and… and whatever (hicc) punishment you want, I'm ready. Even if it's a spanking… just don't be mad at me. P-please (hicc) talk to me again."

Tony's heart shattered, and without a second thought, he crossed the room, sitting down on the edge of the bed to pull Aidan carefully into his arms, mindful of his injuries. "Hey, hey… none of that, okay?" he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "I'm not mad, kid. I'm so sorry you thought I was. I…" He swallowed, trying to steady his own emotions. "I messed up, Addie. I lost track of time, and I should've come down here sooner. That's on me."

Aidan clung to him, gripping his shirt tightly, as if he were afraid Tony might vanish if he let go. Slowly, his breathing evened out, the last of his sobs fading, as Tony's presence grounded him. Tony held him until Aidan's breaths steadied, rubbing his back gently, whispering quiet reassurances. Aidan's face was tucked against his shoulder, the guilt and fear that had clung to him starting to ease.

When Aidan finally pulled back, Tony cupped his tear-streaked face, wiping away the remaining tears with his thumbs. "Listen, bud," he murmured, his voice low and steady. "I'm not mad. But we need to talk about what happened. You went into that building by yourself, without backup. That was brave, Addie, but you should've called me. Called any of us. We're a team, and you shouldn't be doing things like this alone."

Aidan's face was a mix of relief and confusion, his big eyes blinking up at his dad. "You're not mad? But… you said I couldn't be Spiderman. That… that I'd get sp-spanked if I risked my life."

Tony sighed, rubbing the back of his neck, choosing his words carefully. "Yeah, I did say that, and I meant it when I told you I didn't want you risking your life like that." He took a deep breath, softening. "But… I know you, Addie. Helping people, stepping up when others won't—that's part of who you are. And I realize now that no rules or punishment are going to change that."

Aidan's eyes widened, a small glimmer of hope lighting them. "So… I can still be Spiderman?"

Tony nodded, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "After talking with your mom, we decided to let you be Spiderman." He held up a finger before Aidan could get too excited. "But there's a catch. Actually, there are a few catches." He leaned forward, his voice serious. "Being a hero doesn't mean running into every dangerous situation you come across. You have to know your limits, know when to get backup. Being a hero is about keeping yourself safe so you can help more people tomorrow—and the day after that."

Aidan nodded slowly, absorbing every word, his face still tear-streaked but softened with understanding.

Tony took a steadying breath, letting himself soften before he continued, "Alright, here's the deal—you're still grounded. That stunt you pulled, diving head-first into the building like that… reckless. Brave, but reckless. So, you're grounded until Dr. Cho says you're fully healed—three or four weeks, at least."

Aidan's face fell a little, but he nodded, accepting it without a fight.

"And no hanging out with the Avengers, no gaming with Ned. Just school, homework, and workshop time with me," Tony added, raising an eyebrow with a smirk. "So don't get too excited. You're going to be seeing a lot of me." He chuckled when Aidan cracked a small smile, clearly relieved.

Tony's tone softened again. "And during that workshop time, we're going to work together on something important." He glanced at the suit, eyes full of purpose. "I'm building you a new Spiderman suit, custom-made for you. Part of that means designing an AI that's going to be with you when I can't be there." Tony could see the spark of excitement in Aidan's eyes, but he emphasized, "This AI will help you, but it can't do everything. You'll need to know exactly what the suit can and can't handle."

Aidan listened intently, nodding with a look of determination Tony hadn't seen before.

"This suit's good, but it's not invincible. Bullets from regular guns, fine. Alien-tech weapons? That's a no-go. Fighting regular thieves or bank robbers? Go for it. Enhanced individuals? That's when you call for backup." He put a hand on Aidan's shoulder, his voice firm. "You need to understand that being a hero isn't just about fighting every bad guy you see—it's about making smart choices. If you're going out there, you need to know when to hold back and call for help."

"Got it!" Aidan's voice was full of enthusiasm, his eyes lighting up. "Thank you! Thank you so much, Dad!"

"Alright, calm down there, Spiderling," Tony said, though he couldn't help but grin. "Let's go over the ground rules again. No lying. No being reckless with your life—know your limitations. And keep your communicator on you at all times. If any of these rules get broken…" He left the sentence unfinished, and Aidan's eyes widened, nodding quickly in understanding.

Then Tony took a deep breath, preparing to drop the final condition. "And there's one last catch. After your grounding, you're not diving right into hero work. Not yet. You're going to train with every Avenger in this tower for three months. Maybe longer, depending on when they each think you're ready for it."

Aidan's face split into a wide grin, his eyes shining. "Wait, really? With everyone?"

Tony raised an eyebrow. "Yup. You get the full Avengers boot camp. Cap's gonna drill you on technique, Nat's gonna make sure you know how to handle yourself, and you'll work with Wanda, Rhodey, Vision—everyone. You're gonna have to prove you're ready to handle this."

Aidan bobbed his head eagerly, not an ounce of hesitation. "I'm in, Dad! I'll do whatever it takes." He paused, eyes brimming with gratitude. "Thanks, really. I know you're doing this because you care."

Tony's expression softened, pride warming his face as he reached forward to pull Aidan into a hug. "You're worth it, kid. And you're going to be a great hero, I know it."

Aidan squeezed him tightly, his voice small but full of love. "I love you, Dad."

Tony's heart swelled, his hand resting gently on the back of Aidan's head. "Love you too, Spiderling. Always."

They stayed that way, sharing a quiet moment that said more than any words could, each silently promising to protect each other no matter what.

Hehe, sorry for all the quick plot points and reveals up to now, but I really just wanted to get to this chapter—the halfway point of the story. :) What do you think, guys? Was it worth it? I wanted to make this story about both our spider baby's growth and Tony's journey as a parent. Our spiderling has a lot more growing up to do, though! Please leave a review if you enjoyed Phase 1: The Reunion and Reveal.