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Chapter Text

For a moment everything seemed frozen, the vultures green eyes searing into peters own. There was a groan and then the building was falling down, bringing peter with it. He attempted to scream but he was knocked out when a piece of debris hit the back of his head.

Peter came to with a gasp and a sharp cry as dust started invading his mouth and down his throat to his lungs where it made him sob and cough and whimper, begging for help, for anyone to save him. Peters arm was on fire and he couldn't feel his legs. He stopped calling, knowing it wouldn't do any good. He was getting dizzy with each passing second and it was becoming harder to breath.

Peter tried to push himself up but was stopped by the piece of concrete on his arm. Then something seemed to pop or break lose and he was holding himself up with one arm, any resistance from before gone. Peter glanced at the arm and his stomach tightened as he threw up everything in his system. his arm was gone and all that was in its place was a white bone covered in blood as it out of skin and muscle. He continued to sob as he freed himself from the rubble with groans and whimpers. Close to fainting, he dragged himself away from the debris with only one functional leg.

Peter laid pushes himself up against a rock and turns over onto his back, panting as he stared up at the sky. His leg and arm were bleeding heavily and as the adrenaline went down the pain increased.In a final attempt he tapped his side in search of his phone, thanking god when he got it out and it turned on. With bloody, shaking fingers he clicked happys contact and waited with furrowed brows as he concentrated on staying awake but of course it went to voice mail.

Peter let out a sob and closed his eyes to try and calm down. He lifted his hand up, moving to Mr. starks contact and clicking it. The screen seemed to be pink with all the blood smeared on it.

"Look kid," Tony's voice spoke on the other end and peter let out a relived sob that stopped the man in his tracks.

"Mr. stark? Please- please I can't-" the world was turning black quickly as peter struggled to stay awake.

"Kid where are you? Kid!? Peter!" The world went dark as tony continued calling for him, the voice slowly echoing out of existence.

Chapter Text

Tony was in his lab, half looking over the papers for the tower and half working on an iron man gauntlet that had stopped working a week or so ago. He was annoyed and angry and he simply wanted to distract himself from thinking about the kid.

Said kid had tried to call happy multiple times since the suit was taken away and even left a voice mail for tony that FRIDAY had played for him through her speakers.

"Boss, you have an incoming call from peter Parker. Do you want me to answer it?" FRIDAY questions and tony drops the pen to rub his face. Can't the kid just take a hint and stop calling him? He had to take away the suit for his own sake to stop him from killing himself or someone else while going after terrorists.

Sitting back tony looked up at the labs ceiling, thinking about weather or not he should take Peters call. With a sigh tony spoke up, "put him through fri, maybe this time I could get him to stop." If not I could simply block him and that would be the end of it.

"Look kid," tony spoke when there was a click, ready to tell him to stop trying when his raspy voice comes through, "Mr. stark? Please- please I can't-"

"Kid, where are you? Kid!? Peter!" He shouted, jumping to his feet and pleading with the teen to keep talking, to tell him what happened but the other end went silent and the faintest rasps of Peters breath was the only thing heard.

Without a second thought tony's turning, rushing out of the building as his suit rushes to him, "show me peters location." He tells his ai and she triangulates the area where the call came from.

Nothing enters his mind except for one action, "find peter". It repeats in his head over and over as tony finds the teen laying against a rock in a pool of his own blood. A panic like no other filled him, worse then getting then call and more so then when he went through the hole in the sky.

Keeping his mouth shut tony bent down near the unconscious teen and was about to lift him up when he stopped, hands hovering over him.

"Friday, scan him." Tony pleads, quickly yanking off some of peters shirt to try and stop some of the blood rushing out of his arm.

"He appears to have multiple fractures and broken bones throughout his body. One leg is shattered and the other may be beyond repair if we don't get him to a hospital."

"Would I make anything worse if I lift him up?" He asks quickly, yanking off more of peters homemade suit to try and staunch some of the blood flow.

"Most likely but it's best if he's brought to a hospital immediately-"

"Is there any injuries to his spine of neck?" He interrupts, slipping his arms around the injured teen. Peter was getting paler by the second and all these questions could be costing him his life.

"None that I can detect. His healing factor is already fixing-"

"Contact cho at the compound. Tell her to ready a room for peter." Tony states, cradling the teen to him and taking off without a moments notice.

"Doctor Helen cho has been contacted." FRIDAY states and tony pushes his suit to go faster.

"Mister stark?" He heats from below, almost dropping the teen out of surprise.

"Yeah I'm here bud." He breaths, the wind whipping around them.

"The jet-"

"Don't worry about it." He interrupts, focusing on the compound once it gets into view. Tony glances down to see peter start to close his eyes, his breathing shallow and barley there.

"Boss his blood pressure-" Tony ignored her, landing roughly and rushing into the building.

"Mister stark I don't feel so good." The kid whimpers and Tony's heart seems to shatter.

"Cho!" Tony calls and the Doctor is rushing over, gasping at the bleeding teen in his arms. Peter takes a shuddering breath, eyes half lidded for a moment longer before his eyes roll back and he's passing out again.

"Help him, please!" Tony begs as the kid is later onto a gurney . They rush him away instantly, not a word said to him as cho is shouting about what types of IV drips they would need.

Glancing down at his suit, tony felt sick to his stomach when he saw the blood that was staining the metal.

"fri call may parker." Tony mumbles, unable to take his eyes away from the layer of blood on his suit.

"It may be best if you relax first sir-"

"FRIDAY call may Parker." Tony states again, hands turning into fists as he finally pries his eyes away from them. Instead they move to the floor and the trail of blood that leads away from him.

"Calling May Parker." She states and only then does tony step out of his suit, FRIDAY transferring the call to his phone. He sits down on one of the new couches that had been put into the building, staring out a window as the phone rings.

"Hello? Who is this?"

Chapter Text

Stalking the halls of the towers medical wing, Tony was trying to figure out exactly what to tell peters aunt as she picked up the phone. With rising anxiety tony explained why he was calling and what had happened to her nephew.

"Hey may, it's tony."

"Tony? Isn't it a bit late to be calling?"

"I know and I'm sorry about that-"

"Are you okay? Is something wrong? why are you calling? Peter told me he lost the internship, did something come up?" The other women questioned, voice rising with panic at how distraught the billionaire sounded.

"Look... may, it's peter. He was hurt and he's here at the compound with me to be treated-"

"Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god!" May panics, repeating the words as she hurries around on the other end.

"may please calm down-" he tries, listening to the woman rush around in her home, "I'll be sending a car to pick you up and explain when you arrive." He adds, a strange feeling of numbness settling over the billionaire.

"Alright, ok, fine." With that, the line is cut and tony puts his phone away. He turns, heading back up to the medical wing to wait in one of the closer waiting rooms. Settling into a chair, Tony rests his head in his hands, taking deep breaths as he stares blankly at the floor.

"What am I going to do." He whispers to himself, shaking his head and closing his eyes. All he could see was the blood, the tears, the vomit around the kid.

He opens them again when the elevator bings, its doors opening and may running out to him.

"Where is he? What happened? Tony tell me!" She panics, sitting down beside him with eyes darting all around the room.

"I don't know how to properly explain this May, I'm not sure what happened fully, to begin with, but when I arrived your boy was trapped and injured and bleeding. He's stable now." He wasn't sure about that last part, Helen hadn't said anything to him about peters condition and that thought caused his anxiety to rocket.

"Oh god, how could that happen? He was at his homecoming dance! When did he leave?! Why did he leave?!" She cries, tears in her eyes as she takes her glasses off to rub her eyes.

"I'm not sure what he was thinking either but we have to be there when he wakes up." Tony tries to calm her, uncomfortable in his attempts.

They sit in silence after that, both thinking different but similar things. Both were unsure about the teenager in the next room.

And all that teenager knew was pain. Pain and pain and pain.

Chapter Text

There was just pain. Pain and pain and more pain and slight echos from the side of something consistently beeping in his ear which made the ache in his head worse.

He didn't understand where he was or why he was in so much pain. For a moment he wonders why it's so dark before realizing he must have his eyes closed.

Trying to open them proved more difficult then ever before, barley able to get the open more then a tiny sliver. Even then he couldn't see anything besides bright white with a slight hint of yellow. The beeping got louder and he let out a pitiful groan when pain surged through his jaw. How had he gotten here? Where even was here?

"He's... up th'..." someone's voice breaks through the beeping haze and they sound slurred, like they're underwater. He could feel the vibrations of them moving to his side and then something is rushing through his system, being exhaustion and numbness in its wake.

He didn't want to trust the warm feeling of safety the numbness brought, still unsure of his location but unable to resist temptation.

~

When he woke again his jaw still hurt along with the rest of his body but the sound of the beeping had decreased exponentially and trying to open his eyes was a lot easier then last time.

All he saw was white at first, the ache in his head slowly growing more as the beeping started to get annoying. His eyes adjusted easily after a few moments and peter was able to take in the ceiling, eyes trailing down a wall and slowly sweeping over all he could see before coming to rest on the person asleep besides him. Behind said person was a second one, asleep on a couch.

Racking his mind for an answer to who this was, peter continued to stare at them. His head hurt and he just wanted to go back to sleep so that's what he did.

~

When he became conscious for the third time it was a lot better then before. His hearing was back to normal and he could tell that there was someone else in the room, asleep with how regular and even their breathing was.

Opening his eyes, Peter found it easier to understand the room he was in. Windows lined one side of the wall and the rest was all white. To his left, surprisingly, is where mister stark slept. Trying to lift both his arms to rub his eyes, they wouldn't move; Both numb and as heavy as lead.

"Wh-" he tries to speak only to whimper in pain when he jaw protests. Only then does he realize that there's some sort of neck or head brace keeping him from turning his head fully and speaking. The noise was enough to wake the man and mister stark is slowly blinking his eyes open.

Unable to communicate, Peter just watches the man as he wait for him to realize that he was awake.

"Peter!" The man exclaims when he sees the kids eyes are wide open and watching him expectantly. With tony facing him now peter could see how unorganized the man was. Eyes somewhat puffy and pink around the edges, hair and clothes rumpled and wrinkled.

"Hm-" peter tries to speak and winces at the pain the vibrations cause.

"Don't try to say anything, your still healing." Mister stark states and peter nods his head minutely in an attempt to answer without pain but it doesn't work.

"What were you thinking? Going after him on your own?" The billionaire all but snarls, scolding the teen. Peter just sighs, letting his eyes close.

"Didn't I make it obvious that if anything happens to you it would be on me? God I'm such an idiot for taking the suit back, then you would've had more help god damnit- you could have died peter! You did for a minute before they got you back!" He shouts and it causes peter to snap his eyes open.

"You kid, you fucking flatlined for a minute before they got your heart beating again." Tony snaps, running his hand through his hair.

"Ms-" peter tries again and tony just levels him with a glare.

"No talking until your jaw is healed." He states and peter finally gives up on speaking.

"Peter May is here, I haven't been able to explain everything to her without explaining-" He trails off with a sigh but peter understands either way.

"I cant hide this from her, neither can you. Not anymore anyway. When she comes back I'm going to tell her everything." Tony explains, looking back at the teenager on the bed. Peter just sighs but tilts his head up, thankful that it doesn't hurt, and let's his eyes close.

"Go to sleep again kid, it'll help you heal faster." Tony's voice broke at that but peter didn't question it, falling back into a dreamless slumber.

Chapter Text

When peter wakes up it's for the what , fourth? Fifth time? He doesn't know anymore.

When peter does fully wake up, it's dark outside but he rooms lights were on at a low level. His eyes trailed around the room only to stop at the sight of May asleep in the chair next to his bed. It causes him to jerk in surprise, the heart monitor attached to him speeding up. It could have been either the jerk, the monitor or a combination of both that woke May up, but it didn't matter as the second she realizes her nephew was awake she lets out a soft cry.

"Peter." She whimpers, sitting up and hugging the teen awkwardly.

"Hey, May." He murmurs, body heavy as he relaxes into her embrace.

"Your so grounded." She jokes, voice full and peter could tell she was crying.

"That's fair." He smiles, jolting slightly at the twinge in his jaw. Peter hesitates, still laying on his back with the blanket almost up to his neck. He felt strange, off in a way he couldn't describe.

He moves to grab the blanket but freezes, he couldn't feel his right hand. Peter blinks quickly and tries to sit up again, wanting to push his arms under him to right himself, but he only manages to get one arm under his body. It was weak but it helped him sit up.

"Honey-"

Peter ignores her, breathing speeding up as he kicks the blanket off himself. His eyes widen when they land on the bandages wrapped around his shoulder. He stared at the empty space where his arm should have been, not realizing that he was no longer breathing.

"Peter? Peter, breath." May starts, voice spiked with panic over her unresponsive nephew. Peter continued to stare at his shoulder, the hospital gown he was wearing was modified to allow the bandages to be exposed.

Peter finally let out a shaking breath, eyes slowly closing, "this is a dream right? I-I'm gonna wake up at home not remembering anything because someone spiked the punch at homecoming, right?"

"Peter..." May whispers as tears start to trail down his cheeks, wetting the gown and darkening the fabric.

"Oh god, oh god" He starts to panic, hand clenching the blanket. The heart monitor is out of control now, beeping fast and irregularly as Peters panic rises.

"I'm, may, I'm missing an-an arm and a leg and, oh my god please tell me I'm dreaming!" He all but wails, any attempt at calming him down is futile.

"Peter please-" May begs but the distraught teen doesn't hear, yanking at his hair as he babbles nonsense.

Peter couldn't understand, he-he didn't know what to do! How was he going to be Spider-Man while missing an arm and leg? How was he going to go to school?

He flinches when someone touches his shoulder, trying to calm him down along with aunt may. He couldn't focus on who it was, he didn't want to. Focusing meant allowing this to be real, and this couldn't be real! It couldn't be!

He's pushed down, forced to lie back when he doesn't want to. He thrashes, sobs harder, wails louder.

This couldn't be real.

He feels a sting in his arm, along the already sore spot where the IV was in. It takes a moment, but soon the drugs start to work. His mind becomes foggy, eyelids heavy, movements slow.

One final sob and peter quiets, eyes closing as he lets out a deep breath.; Maybe unconsciousness was a better choice.

May and tony watched as peter settled down, his breathing starting to even out. May closed her eyes causing a single tear to trail down her cheek.

"What are we going to do tony?" She whispers, opening her eyes to take in her nephew. The billionaire stays silent, watching as peter slept.

"I don't know..." He murmurs after a moment, "he'll burn through the sedatives quickly, I'm going to have to see if I have any of Rogers special sedatives left."

"We cant keep him knocked out for the rest of his life." May states.

"I know that! You don't think I know that? We cant have him panic like that again! I'll, I'll figure this out. I'll figure something out." He promises, rubbing his face.

Chapter Text

The sedatives were strong, but peters metabolism was stronger. They stopped working not even three days later, allowing peter to wake up from the medically induced sleep. It was dark but with his enhanced sight peter could make out the form of May, fast asleep on a chair besides his bed. It wasn't really a chair, more like a mini sofa.

Peter pulls the covers down, staring at his shoulder. The bandages covering it applied pressure to the wound, making it ache. He stared at it for a while before allowing his eyes to travel down to his leg and the nub that was now the other one. There seemed to be more bandages on the leg then his shoulder.

Throughout the night peter alternated between watching his arm to his leg. He wasn't tired, he wasn't hungry, he wasn't anything but numb. When the room started to get brighter, peter turned his head and watched the windows. The med bay he was in was quite high up, allowing him a beautiful view of New York. He kept his eyes glued to the window as it continued to brighten, not reacting when he heard May start to wake besides him.

She didn't notice that he was awake at first, stretching and cracking her bones. She blinked a few times before glancing at her nephew, jolting when she saw his eyes were open.

"Peter?" She calls softly, scooting closer to his side. Her brows furrow when she gets no reply.

"Pete? How are you feeling baby?" She questions, sitting straighter. Peter keeps his silence even as May continues to try and get a reply out of him. She stops after a while, watching him with concerned eyes.

~

Nothing May or Tony did got a reaction out of peter. The boy stayed silent, staring out the windows or at his arm or leg if he wasn't asleep. It even made happy concerned when the news finally reached him.

Days pass with peter maintaining his silence. His body healed well and in a gamble to get him to talk tony has him moved into a room on the private floors of the tower.

The moving went easily, may had to leave for work so it was just tony the kid and a few nurses. They settle peter into the room easily and the nurses leave tony with the teen. Peter was again staring out the window. The view was better in the room, higher up.

Peter was so small in the big bed he was laying in, like the child he actually was.

"Did you stop him?" The whisper causes tony to jump.

"Yeah kid, we stopped him." Tony answers, having hesitated at first to figure out what to say. He's unsure what to do to keep the conversation going.

"Are you in any pain?" He questions but peter stays silent. Tony turns to leave, lowering the lights as he passes the switch.

"I'm sorry." He hears the kid whisper.

"It's... it's okay pete." Tony replies, leaving the room as he knows he won't get anything else out of the boy. He retreats to his lab, ignoring the unfinished projects on the table. He pushes them to the side and clears up his space, pulling his phone out of his pocket and laying it on the table. Tony moves around the lab, grabbing different sheets of paper and other needed items before sitting down.

"Hey Friday? Give me the measurements of peters arm and leg." He calls and a hologram is quick to show up on his phone.

Chapter Text

It had taken two weeks for tony to make the perfect prosthetics for peter. He had messed up and made a left arm and right leg at first, then having to erase and redo the blueprints for the opposite limbs. It took a while to make them light, similar to the iron man armor. They were made of a nickel-titanium alloy, having tested platinum, adamantium and even vibranium before settling on the alloy. The web shooters had been installed into the arm, as well as Karen, and he had made it so that peter could still feel touch through the prosthetic, not as well as normal but still close enough.

He just couldn't figure out how to make it stick like peter normally did. Besides that one problem, the prosthetics were perfect. Tony just didn't know how to introduce peter to them.

He knew the kid was hurting, he hadn't said anything to tony since the apology weeks ago, but he had an idea on what he needed to do to help.

~

It's a Thursday when tony calls may, the question he asks her makes her stop. He had had enough of peters silence and sadness to last a life time and wanted to get the kid back to the way he was before. Seeing him in bed and quiet was something tony wouldn't get used to, he wishes he never will.

So Tony contacts may and asks for Neds number.

"What are you planning tony?" She questions.

"I just want to get peter talking again. Having his friend might help him-"

"Or it could make him worse. He might not be ready to see anyone yet"

"It's been over a month may, we need to get him back to a routine and talking! He can't miss any more school either, and I doubt that his friend hasn't been worried sick." Tony argues and may silences. With a sigh she gives in, sending the other boys phone number through messages.

"Just tell me how it goes and if he gets worse stark, I'll hurt you." The tiny Italian woman threatens.

"I'll hurt me too may."

~

Peter was scratching at his bandages, staring at the TV in his room blankly. They don't want to take the bandages off, not wanting peter to see what was left of his arm properly. He had turned it on to make Mr. stark happy, leaving it on some random channel. He never paid it any attention.

When he hears the door click he closes his eyes and sighs. He keeps his eyes close, hoping maybe that Mr. stark would leave when he sees him asleep.

"Peter?" A voice that's definitely does not belong to tony speaks up. Peters eyes snap open and he sits up as fast as he can. He was breathing shallowly when his eyes meet neds. His best friend was standing a few feet in front of the door, eyes wide and worried.

"Wha-What are you doing here?" Peter questions, voice hoarse and raspy.

"Mr. stark called me... what happened?" Ned steps forward and it makes peter flinch. He wraps his arm around his torso, tears stinging his eyes.

"Don't worry about it-"

"I'm going to worry! You have been MIA for a month! You left homecoming and that was the last anyone saw you!" Ned exclaims, ignoring peters wince and moving closer to his bed.

Peter stays quiet, staring at his lap as his throat tightens and a tear trails down his cheek.

"What happened?"

"The, the uh, the bad guy dropped a building on, uh, on me." Peter mumbles and Ned stares at him.

"Holy shit." He breaths and peter barks out a laugh at the suddenness.

"Yeah, i-i-i-it, it crushed my leg and, and severed my arm." The two friends stay silent, Ned watching his friend while peter stares at his lap.

"You know I still love you right?" Ned speaks up and peter looks up at his friend again, eyes red and puffy. They stare at each other and peter smiles, laughing a wet laugh and holding his arm out. Ned is quick to pull his friend into a hug, a hug that leads to them into their handshake.

"I love you too ned." Peter sighs before scoring over so that Ned could sit down on the side of the bed.

Peter leans into ned as his friend finds the remote and starts flicking through different channels.

For the first time in a month, peter feels better. For the first time in a while, peter smiles.

~

Hours later tony heads down with pepper, checking up on the two to find them talking about Passionately about something.

"Sorry to interrupt you to but, Ned? Your mother called, she's downstairs waiting for you." Tony states calmly, watching ned frown before nodding. He watches in amusement as the two do a special handshake before ned gets to his feet.

"I'll show you down." Pepper tells him and he nods, saying a final goodbye to both peter and "mister Ironman sir." Before they exit the room, Pepper hands tony the bag they had brought with them.

Tony walks over to peters bedside, smiling at the teen who smiles back hesitantly.

"I have a second surprise for you Pete." This gets peters interest an he watches with curious eyes as tony pulls both prosthetics out of the bag. He lays them on the bed besides peter, watching the kids eyes as they grow at the sight.

"these are... are they for-for me?" He questions, tearing his eyes away from them to look at tony. Tony doesn't let the relived sigh slip past at hearing peters voice and nods.

"Just have to attached them along with a few wires and then you can start physical therapy to get used to them. I'll need your help to make them stick but otherwise... what do you think underoos?"

"I love them..." tears spring into peters eyes yet again and he does his best to refrain from throwing himself at tony for a hug.

Tony rolls his eyes and pulls the teen into a hug, letting him cry into his shit for as long as he needs.

"Wh-when can you...?" He questions once he stops crying, pulling his puffy pink face away from Tony's shirt.

"We can start tomorrow. For now, lets work on ways to get them to stick, yeah?" Peter nods enthusiastically and Tony is happy to have the kid back.

Chapter Text

It took another week or two before the duo were able to get the hand to stick like peter could. Every day that had passed after neds visit peter had become happier, talking more, and was slowly going back to his old self.

Ned visited quite often as well, since peter was staying in the tower until he was fully healed, and it let the other teen fanboy over something for a bit. Giving peter amusement when shows weren't enough.

The day finally came for tony to attach peters new arm. First a holder had to be put onto the nub of his shoulder, which was an hour long procedure, then the arm was put on. With a slight sting and throb the arm was attached. Everyone was silent as they watched peter clench and unclench his fist.

"You got it underoos ." Tony encouraged, watching as peter slowly stretched his arm out. He was straining to get the arm to move, unused to the metal as it did what he wanted.

"Alright peter, can you grab this pen?" Cho questioned, placing said item on the table besides him. His eyes focus on the pen and he slowly lifted his arm, reaching for the pen and stretching his fingers out. The throbbing was back, marching with his racing heartbeat. Moving his new arm was a lot harder then expected. Finally grasping the pen, peter slowly lifted it up as he fixed his grip on it.

"Try writing your name." Doctor Cho suggested, handing him a clipboard with a sticky note on it. With a bit more struggle peter managed to write his name, adding a smiley face after. Tears stung his eyes and he laughed at how absurd this would seem to anyone else.

~

It took almost a month for peter to get used to his new arm, to be able to control it without straining himself. It took him around the same time to get used to his leg as well.

On the plus side both he and ned had something else to geek over every time he came. The leg was quite loud when it came to walking, but putting a sock on the foot helped to dampen the noise enough to a livable volume, although it also dampened how sticky the foot was when he tried to climb the walls.

In the end his arm and leg were amazing, although their sense of touch weren't as good, they did their job perfectly.

He was also getting better, although the depressive episodes still came and went but never to the extreme like in the beginning.

To peters excitement he's also noticed how much closer he's gotten with his mentor, Tony no longer ignoring him or putting him to the side.

He would be moved back to his apartment soon, he missed seeing may pretty much twenty four seven. He would miss sleeping at the tower but mister stark promised that they would figure out some days for him to be there. Everything was finally getting better!

~

Everything was definitely not getting better. The day had started good, no nightmare having woken him up crying, and a good ordered breakfast because mister stark couldn't cook food if his life depended on him.

He had packed all of the clothes may had brought him during his stay in the tower the night before so that after breakfast they could easily get to the apartment where May was waiting. She would be opening the door for him since he hadn't brought any keys with him to homecoming and she wouldn't be at work today.

"You ready to go?" Stark had called when peter was shuffling around in his room.

"Yep!" With that they entered the elevator and descended down to the garage area of the tower where happy was waiting with the limo. A sense of déjà vu had swept over the both of them as they got into the back of the car, but neither had said anything. They chatted quietly in the back while happy drove and soon they were back in front of peters apartment building.

"Now shoo, I've been dying to get the tower back to myself." Mister stark jokes and peter had rolled his eyes, laughing softly as he had gotten out of the limo to get his stuff. He had walked up the stairs to the door, ringing the bell and waiting for May to come down and open it. Both he and tony had waited for the door to open, but when it remained closed even after the third ring both became a bit concerned.

Had May fallen asleep? If she did shouldn't the second or third ring have woken her up?

Mister stark had then gotten out of the car, coming up to stand besides peter. He'd been about to say something when the door opened, instead of May it was one of the tenants at the bottom floor. He eyed them warily before stepping past, Tony shoving his foot into the frame before the door could close. The two share a glance before entering the building, going to the top floor and knock against the door.

Peter could remember just how his breath had caught in his throat when the door had opened because of the knock. That's how the whole day led up to this moment.

Then he was walking in, tears stinging his eyes as his knees gave out from under him at the sight of his home, the metal leg making a loud thump when it hit the floor. It was ransacked, absolutely destroyed, and there was blood everywhere and may was on the floor. Unmoving and pale.

"May?" Peter whispers, throat tight as tears trail down his cheeks. Mister stark stepped past him, hand trailing along his shoulder. He kneeled besides May, face grim as he checks her pulse. He knew there was no reason for it, the amount of blood obvious to the fact that the women was dead.

"Peter, go back downstairs to happy-"

"No! I-i can't just leave her!" He cried, voice high and shaky. He saw tony open his mouth to say something when a note on the kitchen table caught his eye. He rose to unsteady feet and stumbled to it, grabbing the note in shaky hands.

'Nothing is more important then family. I gave you your chance and you blew it.'

"Pete listen to me-" the sob ripped itself from his throat before he could comprehend, tears cascading down his face. Mister stark was there, moments later, pulling peter into a hug and trying to get him to calm down.

~

It was over two hours later by the time he had calmed down and everything taken care of. Police had been called, all of his important stuff taken from his and mays room, the rest would follow at a later date. Then the apartment would be sold, once the crime scene was take care of. Now he would be moving into the tower, forever.

He stared out the window, puffy raw eyes unfocused and still dripping tears.

He watched as the buildings he had passed on the way here pass him by once again and he watched as stark tower slowly grew closer

Chapter Text

Mister stark had told him to go to his room and try to relax, maybe take a nap and get some sleep, obviously knowing that peter wouldn't be getting any what so ever. Peter still tried to do as asked, give him some credit at the very least.

It was still to early, what he had seen was still to fresh in his mind.

Mister stark would be working on his guardianship with his lawyers so that peter could legally stay with mister stark. So that peter could legally live at the compound. His new home.

Tears slide down peters face as he stares blankly at the ceiling. His stomach in knots and his breakfast threatening to come back up for a visit.

His parents were gone. Ben was gone. May was gone. Who would be next? Ned? Mister Stark?

He doubt he would affect Michelle, was she even a friend? Peter just let his eyes fall close, exhaustion yanking at them to make them stay closed. They were still raw and stung somewhat when he closed his eyes.

For once since the bite happened, his healing factor couldn't fix the pain he was in, the way his body seemed to ache. The way his prosthetic seemed to press against his arm nub seemed wrong, the same thing with his leg.

Everything felt off.

~

A knock at the door startles him awake, having dozed off a few minutes ago, Peter had not been prepared for someone to check up on him.

"Hey Pete? Can you come outside for a bit?" Mister stark called through the door.

"Sure." Peter replies before slowly pushing himself up. His prosthetic foot makes a loud thump against the floor, while the other one makes almost no noise. With a sigh peter stands, slowly walking out of the room. Mister stark smiles at him before turning and leading him into the kitchen.

Miss Potts was there, multiple sheets of paper laid out on the table. She gives him a soft smile and he tried to return one for her sake. It's more of a grimace then a smile and her eyes soften.

"Hello peter." She murmurs as he sits beside her, "We just want to talk over what is going to be happening."

Peter nods, glancing at all the sheets before returning his attention to miss Potts, "tony will be getting legal guardianship of you until you turn eighteen. He has already signed the papers, you need to sign a few if you agree to tony being your guardian." It's silent as peter nods, taking the pen she hands him and quickly scribbling down his signature where she points.

"Thank you, peter. I'll send these to your lawyer in a bit. For now, who's hungry?" She questions, trying to lighten the mood. Peter just shrugs.

"Alright you two go and watch a movie or something. I, I'll get something made." With that she stands, moving towards the fridge as mister stark walks over to peter.

"Come on underoos." Tony says gently and the two move into the living room.

"What about school?" Peter questions as they sit down on the soft sofa.

"Pepper already talked to your principal, you were given a month off to grieve and continue the online schoolwork you have already been doing. any physical papers or work you'll be given will be dropped off by happy."

Good, Peter thinks, work can be a distraction.

"What about the stuff in my locker?" Although Peter had super strength his backpacks didn't so he only ever took what he needed home to avoid breaking the bags straps and making may get him a new one.

"Happy will get it-"

"Can I go too? T-to stretch my legs?" He all but begs, not wanting to stay within the tower for a whole month. He would take any chance to move and get out, a small amount of time outside was still time outside.

"Kiddo-"

"Please?"

"Fine, I have to talk to the principal in person anyway." Tony sighs running a hand along his goatee. Peter just nods, leaning back against the couch as tony puts on some movie. He doesn't pay it any attention, staring at the TV but not seeing what it was playing.

~

That night peter tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep. By the time mister stark came to wake him up he had a minimum of three hours of sleep under his belt and because of it he walked awkwardly, leg uncomplying with what he wanted and stiff in movment.

It took some time but soon peter wore sweatpants and a large hoodie to cover up his prosthetics, as well as gloves to hide his hands.

The trio get to the school while classes are going on, happy standing at the doors while tony and peter split up. Tony heads to the office while peter walks down the hall to his locker.

With how his day has been going and how awkward his prosthetics were being, Peter first tried to open his locker with his mental hand, fumbling to get his hand around the nob. He gave up and swapped to his left, struggling just as much for a moment before the locker opens.

He grabs all his books, leaving behind the extra notebooks he knows he won't need. He's about to close the locker when one of the doors down the hall opens. Peter tenses up and slowly leans back to see who it was.

He actually relaxes a bit when he sees Michelle. She looks over to him and he can see the surprise flicker along her face. She tilts her head down in a slight nod and peter gives her a small smile before she moves on, heading toward the bathrooms.

Peter licks his lips before closing his locker, all his books held by his prosthetic arm. He flinched when the bell rings, the sounds of chairs scraping the floor happen all at once and peter grimaces. He pulls his hood over his head and begins to walk towards happy who, once he sees him on his way, leaves the building for the car. Mister stark must already be in the car then.

"Is that peter?" He hears someone whisper and he begins to pick up his pace.

"Hey penis!" Flash shouts and peter has to hold himself from breaking out into a sprint, ignoring the bully as he quickly pushes the door open.

"Parker!-" flash calls but the door closes and cuts him off. Peter jumps slightly when he sees tony waiting outside. The man smiles at peter before turning and leading the boy back to the car.

It's silent on the ride to the tower, mister stark unsure of what to say and peter just not wanting to talk at all. His phone buzzes and peter has to awkwardly move his left hand to grab it.

It was a message from an unknown number: "ned gave me your number. My friends can call me MJ"

The five words make peter smile, a small smile but a smile nonetheless. he quickly adds her to his contacts.

Chapter Text

The days following peters trip to the school seemed to dim, the monotonous routine of waking up, doing school work, eating, physical and mental therapy, and sleep was starting to get to him, making it feel like bugs were crawling under his skin. This was worse than before. Losing an arm and a leg hurt, it did, and it made everything feel weird, sometimes peter was certain he could still move the missing limbs, starting whenever he saw the glint of metal and not flesh, but losing a family member is worse, especially after having lost every other family member in his life. 

It was strange, peter knew he wouldn't be seeing may later today. He wouldn't be forced to eat her bad cooking to make her happy, only to then order food a few minutes later, but sometimes he feels like he can hear her. Like she will bust into the room any minute with smoke coming from the kitchen. But that won't happen. May is gone, and now he lives in the avengers compound, his only visitors being happy and mister stark himself. Miss Potts had passed by, getting peter out of his room and helping her make dinner. 

When the food came out fine the first time he had started crying, missing May more than anything.

She was now sitting in an Urn, the same one they had uncle ben in. He knew shed rather share one with her husband then be separate, even after death. 

It was with a strange sense of déjà vu as peter slowly sat up in his bed. His room was dark, but light streamed in from the windows that he had left open. He didn't know why he had, but the light helped somewhat.

It felt like the hole in his chest had gotten bigger, first from his parents, then from Ben, and now May. It chipped away at his mind.

Everyone he loves dies.

Everyone he cares for doesn't last.

Next would be ned, his over-enthusiastic guy in the chair. Then MJ, then Happy, then Tony, and then probably even pepper.

Tears spring back up into his eyes and he rubs at them furiously. He was tired of crying but it seemed that was all he did now.

A knock at the door drew his attention and Mister Starks voice called out, "hey Pete? There's some food in the kitchen if your hungry."

His stomach decided to rumble then and there and he sighed, standing and shuffling over to the door. Tony hides his surprise well, but the slight raising of his eyebrows gives him away. He smiles at peter softly and rests his arm around his shoulders, turning and walking the two of them into the kitchen.

"It's just a grilled cheese, something I can cook easily, it might be a bit burnt but..." he trails off, unsure what to say. Peter just nods, sitting down at the kitchen table and pulling the plated grilled cheese towards him. The sides were quite burnt but he didn't say anything, eating it all to appease Mister Stark. it reminded him of may and he tried not to start crying again.

Sitting at the table and sipping at the water he was handed, peter didn't know what to say to his mentor-slash-guardian. It seemed like the man didn't know what to say either. The silence seemed tense, peter fidgeting with his bottle and Tony staring out a window.

With a sigh the man stood up and stretched, "Alright kid, I'm going down to the lab. Wanna join me?"

"Sure." 

~

Tony knew he wasn't ready to be anything remotely similar to a father, a guardian, hell he was barely stable enough to be a mentor, but watching the scarred kid meet his robots with a smile made him feel all weird and warm inside. He had been the one to fuck up, he should have realized that the kid had started without him and would continue without him or the suit. Peter was too selfless for his own good, it was easy to see with the way he interacted with the people around him. Always cautious, trying to avoid being an issue, people pleasing to the best of his abilities.

He watches as peter pets Dum-E, U spinning around the two of them. Butterfingers was nowhere to be seen, probably at his charging station or something. He hoped at least. 

"He has a ball somewhere, probably stuck under a table or something." tony calls to the kid, watching him light up as he begins to search. Dum-E churrs happily. 

the sound of the ball hitting the floor and being caught by Dum-E was enjoyable, tony had avoided turning on any of his music as he didn't want to upset Peter's senses on his first trip into the lab.

"Do you think I'll be going back to physical school?" peter asks softly. Homecoming and the incident had all happened in mid-september, leaving peter out of school to heal and grieve for well almost three months at this point. His last month off was slowly coming to a close and neither knew whether or not peter would be ready to return. Not only that but Christmas was fast approaching, what does a billionaire get a kid he disfigured because he wasn't thinking through his actions? 

Hey here's a new arm for the one you lost! Now you have options! do you want a red one next?

"If you're ready to go to school kiddo. I'm not going to rush you or anything, it's your choice when and even if you wanna go back. if you want we can even transfer you to another school, there's plenty of good ones just like midtown." tony starts, pushing his thoughts away and spinning in his chair to face peter. 

The kid taps his prosthetic fingers together as he thinks, tossing the ball back to Dum-E. He glances down at the metal fingers, spreading them as he begins to chew on his lip. 

"Would there be any way to hide my arm?" he murmurs "and leg?" he adds as an afterthought. Tony leans back, taking in the boy in front of him. he was wearing a hoodie and sweatpants, hiding his prosthetics as best he can beside his hand. 

"If that's what you want, we can work on something to cover it."

"I just... I don't want to deal with everyone asking questions about it. I already know they're gonna ask about why I was gone and if I'm okay." he sighs. Tony was quite happy he had been able to keep his fostering of peter out of the news, he didn't want the kid to have to deal with his name plastered all over times square, his life story would be thrown to the wolves and tony just knows they would tear the poor kid to shreds. 

"No one knows that you're with me, not even your friends, right?"

"Yea, but I was kinda hoping to tell Ned and-and maybe MJ about it..." he trails off, and Tony nods. 

"We can let them know, as long as they don't say anything to the media-"

"They wouldn't! Neds been my best friend for years, and yea maybe he can get a little excited about certain things but he would probably keep his mouth shut, and MJ... Well, she doesn't really talk to anyone about secrets?" He rambles and Tony doesn't really like how Peter seems to question his own statement but he nods anyway. 

"Alright, we can tell them. I'll let happy know he's gonna be in charge of driving you but I don't think it's a good idea to have you staying in the compound if you really want to go stay in midtown. that would be an almost three-hour drive and I'm pretty sure you wouldn't want to wake up at like five in the morning to get to school." tony states and peter kinda deflates. 

"I forgot how far we were from Queens." peter murmurs, Dum-E beeping and pressing his claw against Peter's back. The kid turns to him and rubs the robot's arm, smiling softly at him.

"I can get us an apartment nearby, I'm not exactly needed at the compound twenty-four-seven." tony says after a moment of silence.

"Oh, no Mister Stark you don't have to-"

"Peter, I don't have to do anything. I want to do this. You are under my care now, so I'm going to try my best to keep everything the same as it was." It's my fault you're missing two different limbs. This is the least I can do kid.

"Thank you for everything Mister stark." peter murmurs and tony sighs. 

"Don't worry about it, okay kid? We can have everything we took from your old apartment and move it out of storage to the new place. everything is gonna be ready by the time you have to go back to school okay? you can even help design your room."

"can it... can it have a room for aunt may and uncle ben?" peter asks softly, sitting himself on the floor as he keeps petting Dum-E.

"of course peter. we can even have a guest room in case anyone wants to stay by. It'll be big-"

"not super big? please? big houses kinda freak me out." peter murmurs, face turning red at the confession.

"it'll be roomy, but not big." the way peters shoulders kinda sag let tony know he had said the right thing. 

"We can even try to have a lab, nothing big but somewhere to work," he adds, and peter smiles. 

"Thank you again, mister stark." 

"Don't even mention it Pete."

~

Peter's room is pretty much the same it had been when may was still alive, just bigger. His bed was no longer a twin, but the sheets were the same. His legos and posters were all set up on the walls and on shelves, he tried not to think too much over the iron man poster now hung up in plain view of the door. He suspected Mister stark had done that on purpose but he didn't want to ask, embarrassed enough as it is. 

Everything was so different, yet it was all his stuff. He didn't really know what to do, sitting on his bed and looking around his room. There was now a TV in his room, the consoles he had been repairing and new ones were stacked on the table the TV was held above.  He just knew Ned would lose his mind when he sees it.

It felt kinda wrong to have all this new and expensive stuff. He would've been happy without it, but he guesses mister stark thought it would cheer him up? He's not sure, but he's more than grateful for everything that his mentor is doing for him.

He glances down at his hand, once again biting his lip as he thinks. He and Mister Stark, call me tony kid, had been unable to make any sort of realistic covering for the limb, even the cradle had been a dead end. Christmas was a few weeks away and the thought made his stomach tighten, missing his aunt more and more as the day approached. Would Mister stark, sorry Tony, even want to do anything for Christmas? They did just move into the house but he thought maybe Tony would have had the person who moved all their stuff in decorate as well? It was another weird thought that made his stomach roll. Tony didn't have to do anything more for him, he should be grateful for what he had.

He glances at the door that led to the room he had put aside for may and ben. it wasn't big but it was exactly what he had imagined for them. he had mays favorite flowers in there, some of bens favorite things too. It was like a little shrine. His therapist thought it was a nice and sweet gesture, but he kinda hoped Tony didn't think it was weird and childish.

He would be going back to class soon and the thought made him nervous, he knew that they would have to do swimming soon for gym and the thought of going into the water in swim shorts, showing off his prosthetics to everyone, made him sick to his stomach.

Alot of this made him sick to his stomach nowadays. It's a feeling he really hopes he doesn't get used too. 

He's startled by a knock at his door, clearing his throat before calling out, "come in"

Tony peaks his head inside, a smirk on his lips when his eyes instantly land on the poster and peter feels his face burn.

"come to the living underoos, I got something for you." he says before pulling away leaving the door open behind him. Peter is quick to follow, the sound of his metal leg thumping on the floor making him cringe. He should probably get carpetting in his room and see if tony would get some for other parts of the apartment, he doesn't want the people below to hate them. 

"whats going... on?" peter trails, looking at the people in the apartment. happy, miss ports and colonel rhodes were all there, wearing ugly Christmas sweaters and holding boxes of decorations.

"Christmas is almost here and the house looked sad." tony shrugs, looking away from peter with his hands in his pockets, "the other said they'd help us decorate."

peters eyes sting and there's shock in tonys eyes when he glances over, worried about peters silence, but the boy just throws himself at the man, arms wrapping around the billionaires waist as he presses his forehead against his chest.

"thanks..." peter whispers against his chest, holding on tight. tony hesitantly wraps his own arms around peter, hugging the boy back just as tight. happy pretends not to watch, digging through the boxes and pepper and rhodey share a glance. 

clearing his throat, tony gives peter a pat, "come on with all the hugs, lets get to decorating." Peter pulls away with a smile, using his sweater to wipe away the tears.

"i brought you an ugly sweater too." the Colonel states, passing him the fuzzy monstrosity. Peter barks out a laugh when he sees the ironman armour on the front, pulling it on and over his shirt.

"i love it, thanks Colonel. Its so ugly." peter laughs and tony squacks in indignation, trying to defend the design.  

"Your welcome peter, but you can just call me rhodey peter, everyone does. I made sure to pick the worst one for you" 

"its not that bad platypus!" tony exclaims, getting an eyeroll from rhodey. the two begin to argue as Miss potts nudges Peter towards the boxes.

"why don't we start with hanging up some lights?" she asks and peter smiles, nodding enthusiastically as he dives for the box.

"careful kid, there's some fragile stuff in there." happy grumps and peter laughs, nudging the man with his elbow. 

"let me go bring up the tree." happy murmurs, poking peter back as he passes him.

"a tree? like a real tree or a plastic tree?" peter asks quickly, turning his attention to happy as he puts his shoes on.

"a real tree." he answers and peter laughs, "whos idea was that?" he questions, glancing around trying to figure out where it would go. happy just nudges his head in Tonys direction, the man had his chest puffed out like an insulted peacock as he argued with his friend. peter laughs and turns back to Miss potts, helping her untangle the lights and tinsel that was in the box she had been holding.

both tony and rhodey are too busy with each other to notice happy bringing in a decently sized Christmas tree, placing it in the corner of the room that had been emptied. he sets the stand down and then shoves the tree in, working the metal bits into the bark. peter goes over to help steady the plant, taking deep breaths of its pine scent.

"it smells so good." peter laughs, glancing down when he steps on a bunch of pine needles. Miss potts was already using a broom to sweep them all together, no one wanting to grab the vacuum and make the two arguing men stop their idiotic quarrel.

The three of them easily get the tree set up and get to work with the other decorations as both Tony and Rhodey continued to argue about the sweater, Tony trying to defend it and Rhodey just shooting down everything the shorter man said. 

"I will not stand for this type of blasphemy in my own home!" tony exclaims and steps away, finally noticing the work that had gone on around him.

"when did you bring up the tree?" he questions and everyone laughs. 

With the lights already on the tree and Miss potts working on the tinsel, peter goes into the box labeled ornaments and stops for a moment when he finds the ones he used to put on the fake trees hed have with may. they were always small trees, barley reaching four feet, that would come with pre-installed  lights and fake snow on the pines. they always placed an overly large star on top and with a bit of searching he finds it. he grabs it and glances at the tree, deciding it would be better for him to just climb up the wall to put the star on. he's quick to do that, going up the wall and scrambling along the roof until he's right on top.

he stands on the roof, his metal leg still a bit wonky when it comes to gripping onto stuff but with his normal leg it was doing just fine. he gently places the star at the top of the tree, flipping off the roof onto the couch and causing a yell from most of the people in the room.

"sorry..." peter says with a blush, laughing lightly. tony just rolls his eyes and grabs some ornaments, moving to help the others put them on the tree. peter stays on the couch, misty eyed and watching the adults continue.

"you have to put space between the decorations tony-" happy scolds not even a moment later, tony scoffing and once again getting into another argument.

"hey pete, can you help put the lights up?" rhodey questions and peter is quick to get back to helping.

~

its a couple of hours later when everything is done, lights strung up, decorations taking up shelves. there was even a fake santa standing by a bowl of chocolate near the door. the others had already left, Miss Potts pressing a kiss to tony's cheek as she leaves.

"where's she going?" peter had questioned.

"we were gonna wait a bit before she moved here to join us, give you some time to settle into the new place and all." tony explains and peter frowns.

"I like Miss potts, she shouldn't have to leave because of me." peter murmrus and tony sighs softly, a smile on his mouth.

"I'll let her know that."

"tell her to move in soon too... Your happier when shes here." peter adds the last moment softly and tony throws an arm around the kids shoulder with a hum.

"come on, there's one more thing i wanna show you about your room" tony says, leading peter away from the livingroom and towards his room. some decorations had been moved there for him to set up, no one wanting to invade peters privacy which the boy appreciated.

Tony beelines for peters annoyingly large walk-in closet, opening the door and nudging peter in first.

"your showing me my closet?" he questions, tilting his head.

"not exactly." tony answers, pushing aside some of peters clothes and pulling open a little door. inside was a button and a scanner, tony pressing his thumb on the scanner first before tapping the button. the wall opens and out comes a tube that held his suit, peter staring in awe at it.

"oh wow." he murmurs, holding out his hand and brushing it against the glass. he doesn't cringe when he notices that it was the metal hand he had extended.

"Take this as an early Christmas gift, okay peter?" tony says softly and peter once again throws himself at the man, hugging him tightly as more tears slip down his cheeks.

"there's more space in there for other suits, i was thinking we should design one specifically for Christmas. make it just as ugly as that sweater you're wearing." tony murmurs, pressing his cheek against peters hair as he hugs the boy back.

"so you admit the sweaters ugly?" peter questions, face smushed into tonys chest.

"oh its absolutely hideous, but I'm not gonna stand by and let rhodey insult it like that." tony laughs and peter joins in. he pulls away to smile at the man, tony bringing a hand up to wipe away a tear.

"merry Christmas peter."

"merry Christmas tony."

Chapter Text

Getting into a routine was something his therapist, and pretty much everyone else in his life agreed with. It definitely helped getting back into physical classes, which peter was still nervous about.

Making the fleshy cover to go over his metal arm and leg was an easy thing to make, although it made it harder for peter to use both, leaving his movements kinda slow and unable to be performed properly. He was thankful that since it was still quite cold out a sweater and sweatpants weren't suspicious, adding even more problems with him moving his arm. it was like someone shoved him into the puffiest puffer jacket.

When it came time for P.E., peter would be able to get out of whatever they were doing depending on the activity, although he would have to change into "gym clothes" which was just another set of sweats and a long-sleeve shirt. He was not looking forward to when swimming came around, who knows what he would have to wear then.

Happy would be driving him there and back home, but for the first-day peter wanted to walk to school. He needed to calm himself and getting driven to school would bring him to his destination way too fast and he needed time to get himself ready for what was about to come. There was also the added fact that people would notice him being dropped off in a Rolls Royce or some other expensive luxury brand car. Maybe he could convince tony to let happy drive a Honda or something less noticeable. Would a Volks Wagon be a good car?

He shakes his head to get rid of the thought of cars and takes a deep breath before climbing the stairs into the building. He had left the apartment early, grabbing a bagel with eggs, bacon, and cheese that mister stark had made, pepper probably made it, and eating it as he walked. He had a bottle in his backpack should he get thirsty. He knew ned was probably in the cafeteria waiting for the bell to ring, so he headed there first.

He keeps his head down as he walks, avoiding eye contact as he passes students and classmates alike. he's relieved to find ned there, talking happily with MJ. Ned sees him and waves him over, a huge smile on his face. MJ sees him too, smiling as she flips him off. He laughs and picks up his pace, dropping his backpack into an empty seat and plopping down into another one, sitting beside MJ and across from Ned.

"Hey, guys," he says softly, getting returned greetings from his friends. 

"It's gonna be so much better to have you back in school dude," ned rambles, waving his hands around as he speaks.

"How are you feeling?" MJ questions softly and he shrugs.

"I kinda wanna go home already." He laughs and MJ punches him in the right shoulder. Both wince, Peter because of the jolt the prosthetic sent into his side and MJ because even though her punch was light, his arm was still metal now, and punching metal hurt. 

"sorry-" both say at the same time, Peter flushing red and MJ looking away. 

"ANYWAY," ned states, getting their attention, "when are you two free? we should have a sleepover or something-"

"Ned, we've been having sleepovers the entire time peter was doing his school work online-" MJ points out.

"i know that but come on! you live with tony stark-!" 

"shhhhhh!" Peter and MJ hiss, the girl jumping out of her seat to press her hands against the fillipino boys mouth.

"Ned, man, I love you but you really need to learn to close your mouth." peter sighs, head dropping backawards and hitting the back of the chair. 

"sorry." he says sheepishly, flashing an apologetic smile on his face. 

"its fine ned. we can plan whenever pretty much, i work in the lab in the apartment with Mister Stark once im done with my school work and visit the compound on weekends but I can always stay home when Mister stark goes." peter explains.

"Could we have a sleepover at the Avengers Compound?" ned questions gleefully, eyes wide and bright as he leans over the table, whispering but yet still somehow talking loud enough for anyone to hear. 

MJ rolls her eyes at neds theatrics and peter chuckles, "that's not a place to goof around ned. i can see if Mister stark would let you guys tour it but i dont think a sleepover there is possible. Yet at least."

"yet?" ned says, voice high pitched in his excitement. 

"Settle for sleepovers at the apartment ned," MJ states blankly, raising an eyebrow at the boy. He deflates a little, sitting back down in his chair. 

"Fine, fine, sleepovers at the apartment." he laughs, opening his mouth to continue to speak when a scoff catches their attention.

"sleepovers? really? what are you, five?" flash questions, a sneer on his face.

"What do you want Eugine?" MJ states, giving him a blank stare.

"Its Flash and you know it!" he hisses, getting no reaction from the girl beside a raised eyebrow. flash scoffs again, shaking his head before turning his attention to peter.

"so parker, finally back?" he questions and peter takes a page out of MJ's book and stares at him blankly.

"I'm here aren't i?" he says and ned sniggers across from him.

"you know, you were the talk of the town for a while after homecoming. Your friends say you were sick but I know that's not the truth, you probably didn't come to school because you were too embarrassed about standing liz up at homecoming. What type of loser does that to one of the hottest girls in this school?"

"Flash stop focusing on a womans look over her personality, something your lacking in both departments." MJ, speaks up and flash sputters.

"I was sick Flash, I don't need to show you my doctor's note or any sort of proof. what happened with liz was a huge mistake that I won't be able to apologize for," he answers evenly, ignoring the way his throat tightened. He felt horrible for ruining her life, with Toomes in jail, ned had told him how she and her family had moved away not even a week after homecoming. 

"anyway didn't you destroy your dad's car on homecoming, leaving you and your date stranded?" ned speaks up, and flash's face flushes, his sputtering coming back as he tries to defend himself.

"Spiderman took my car! why doesn't anyone believe me? Even my date says the same thing!" He exclaims in a half-snarled huff, glaring at ned before turning his eyes back to peter.

"i know your lying parker. Just like the S.I. internship and everything else." he states, shoving off the table to walk away, "I'm watching you parker."

"What an obsessive weirdo," MJ states after a moment, causing both peter and Ned to burst into laughter.

"I don't need him to believe me. I have you guys, and that's enough for me." Peter turns a smile on his two friends, ned SMiling just as big back

"ew, shut up with the sappy bullshit," MJ states blankly, eyebrows raised and chin tilted down.

"hey-!" the bell rings before he can say anything and the trio stand, Ned pairing up with peter as they say goodbye to MJ and go to their respective classes.

Peter can feel Flash's eyes on him and he sighs, the desire to go home coming back in full force.

~

His classes were simple to get back into, following along online was a huge help. Some teachers greeted him happily but a few spoke to him with slight suspicion and It made peter nervous. He's thankful for lunch, getting away from the whispers and stares to meet Ned and MJ on the bleachers. He had brought food from home, Tony had insisted and peter was kinda nervous to see what exactly the man had packed him. 

he settles on the bleachers beside ned and MJ, smiling at his friends and thankful for having the same lunch period as them.

"What're you guys talking about?" he questions when he sees MJ's eyes practically roll into her skull

"Me and MJ were talking and we were debating whether or not it would be better to fight one hundred duck-sized Leonardo DiCaprios or one Leonardo DiCaprio-sized duck" Ned explains and MJ scoffs, "we weren't debating this, you were explaining why  you think the duck-sized Leonardo Dicaprio's is the right choice while i silently judged you."

"Friends shouldn't judge each other." Ned bites back, sticking his tongue out at MJ.

"Freinds should totally judge each other especially when one thinks one hundred duck-sized Leonardo DiCaprio is the right answer. I'm pretty sure that dude does all his own movie stunts and wouldn't hesitate to fight you." peter pipes up with a smile, wondering how on earth this topic even got started.

"See? peters smart. what exactly is a duck gonna do to you? fight you for some bread?" MJ laughs, shaking her head.

"They can beat you up with their wings!" Ned exclaims.

"dude... that's mainly geese. Plus you never said if the duck has babies, if it had babies maybe they would fight me but honestly? I think I can take a duck that's Leonardo DiCaprio size. How tall even is he?" peter questions.

"Six foot." MJ answers and both boys eye her.

"What? he asked the question and I got curious." she shrugs.

"Okay fine, new question, Would you rather have a magic van that can teleport you anywhere you want and time travel anywhere you want, or a magic ring that when it touches a book you absorb all the knowledge inside?" 

"where the hell are you getting such specific would-you-rather's?" Peter questions, tilting his head slightly as he thinks over the question.

ned opens his mouth to answer when MJ speaks up, "Assuming time traveling to the past creates a separate timeline each time, I'd travel back to my previous self and tell her to pick the ring. Then I'd murder her and acquire both abilities."

Both boys turn to stare at her as she draws in her journal, "what? Its the best path to take." she says evenly, looking up to take in their faces, "keep that look, that's great." she murmurs moving to a new page and beginning a new sketch.

"that's messed up"

"that's brilliant"

both boys say at the same time,  giving each other confused and surprised looks. 

"stop making faces, I haven't finished the first ones."

Chapter Text

Their conversation kinda dies off as Mj focuses on drawing their expression. Peter just exhales a laugh and opens his lunch, laughing at the sight of left-over Thai food in he finds in the thermos he opens. The three sit in a comfortable silence with the soft scraping of Mj's pencil as she sketches. 

It's not long before the bell rings and the begin to make their way towards their next few classes, splitting up and heading into different rooms and for the first time that day, Peter has no one at his side. 

He scurries towards his seat, trying to keep his metal legs footsteps lighter than his other to avoid drawing too much attention. Usually speaking with Ned would help cover the uneven sounding steps, his shoes were also a great help in muffling it, but there was always that distinction. Maybe he's just paranoid, his hearing is better than everyone else's, but he doesn't want to risk it. 

He settles in his seat, pulling his notebook out and waiting for the teacher to start class as the late bell rings.

"alright class, today we will be doing a review for the quiz tomorrow-" theres some groans from around the room but the Miss Warren presses on, "so I will be assigning you all partners to work through the problems on the worksheet together."

She begins to walk around the room, placing papers on desks as she passes only to stop at beside Peter, "Mister Parker, would you mind waiting by my desk while I pass these out? I would like to have a conversation with you." 

Peter can feel the eyes of his classmates, curious and amused. He hears flash snicker somewhere behind him. He just nods his head and stands, leaving his desk to go stand besides the teachers. It's awkward and he feels like a first grader who misbehaved and called someone a stupid mean name like... like butt face or something. He shakes his head, his nerves getting to him. He's just happy the murmuring of the class hides his footsteps. 

Miss Warren is back at her seat not long after, turning to face Peter as she begins to speak, "Now I know Ned has been collecting all the work you've been missing and I've graded it along side your classmates, but do not believe you will be getting any more special treatment Mister Parker, do you understand?"

"I... I'm sorry, I don't understand?" Peter murmurs, brows furrowed.

"I've had a strong attendance policy my entire employment here, Midtown high has had a strong attendance policy well before me. That policy usually means you have to attend some classes, only doing the work wouldn't be enough in most cases but Principle Morita said this was a special situation." She tilts her head down slightly and even though Peter is the one looking down at her he feels like she is looming over him, staring down her nose at him in disdain.

"I cannot be certain you did all this work on your own, that you did not search up the answers or had a classmate send you them. I like you, Mister Parker, but I do not like slackers. Return to your seat, get to work. I want you to complete the exercise without a partner." With that she turns to her computer, ending the conversation.  

He turns and returns to his desk, once again flashes snickers reaching his ears along with a murmured, "at least one of these teachers put penis Parker in his place."

"just wait until P.E, Coach Moleskin will definitely do the same" Flashes partner replies, sending the two back into muffled snickers.

Peter slumps into his chair, sighing as he writes his name on the paper and begins to work. At least he was decent at physics. 

~

During the entire class period, Peter wished for it to be over. The whispering of the other students, the heavy gaze of Miss Warren constantly on him as he worked, it was a nightmare. His leg bounced almost violently below the desk.

He was prepared for hostility from his peers, but Mister Stark had seemed so sure that the staff would understand.

The bell rings and the clatter of chairs scratching the floor fills the room. Peter waits a bit, not wanting to get in the middle of the throng of moving students. Then he hands Miss Warren the paper and hurries out of the room, eyes focused on his feet as he heads towards the gym.

He avoids the locker room at first, standing in the hallway as he watches his classmates go in, change clothes and come out. He wants to make sure the locker room is as empty as possible, everything echoed loudly in there and his footsteps will definitely be more noticeable. He is quick to duck inside when the last student exists, walking into one of the few semi private areas and quickly changes into his new gym clothes, the harsh lights glinting off of his metal limbs the moment they are revealed. He stops to take in his outfit when its all on, the glove on his hand that reached past his wrist, the baggy long sleeve shirt that had kinda bunched up around his inner elbow and the sweatpants with the school logo on his left thigh. beelining to the bleachers where Ned and MJ are already sitting with a few others, already changed.

"Hey Peter!" Betty exclaims, bringing everyones attention to him.

"Hey guys." Peter smiles, moving to sit beside Ned when he feels eyes on him and he looks up to find that Coach Moleskin was staring straight at him. Once he notices Peters eyes on him he beckons him over and Peter  lets out a soft sigh, standing and walking over to his teacher.

"Yes, sir?" Peter sighs, already having an idea on where this conversation is going to go.

"Where is your uniform, Parker?" he questions, folding his arms over his chest while holding a clipboard in one hand.

"I'm wearing it?"

"Do you really think that that outfit is proper for this class?"

"I have an excuse-"

"Yes Parker, you have an excuse for the activities that will be done in the class and since I won't be able to grade you for said activity, all I can grade you on is your uniform. So you either put the proper uniform shirt on to get credit, or I fail you for the class" He states bluntly, an eyebrow raised as he stares Peter down.

"Coach-"

"I don't want to hear any excuses Parker, either get changed or take the F." He snaps and Peter sighs, nodding his head as he turns and walks into the locker room. He drags his feet as he enters the private area, going to his locker and looking at his normal gym outfit. 

He didn't know what he was going to do. Tears stung his eyes at the thought of wearing short sleeves and revealing to everyone the metal limb that replaced his right arm. Would taking the F be worth it to keep the secret? What would Mister Stark say?

His eyes land on the school sweatshirt that matches the sweatpants. It, too, was long sleeved. 

His t-shirt wasn't school appropriate, but a sweater with the schools logo definitely was. 

He yanks the gloves off and the shirt follows. He hadn't wanted to wear the sweatshirt, it always got too hot in the gym and he was never the best at staying cool in the heat, but if Coach wanted him in appropriate attire then he'll be in appropriate attire.

He keeps the gloves on, but shoves his hands into his pockets to keep them hidden.

The way Coach Moleskins eye twitches as he glares at Peter is highly amusing to the teen and he hopes MJ catches sight of it to add yet another face to her "people in distress" book. Even flash was glaring at him over his actions and Peter isn't surprised to learn that the boy had been eavesdropping.

He could tell that this stunt was bound to get him into more problems, but for now he didn't care.

After all, Peter was following the rules. 

Chapter Text

Peter never really liked PE, but this time it seemed so much worse. Before his powers he was the scrawny nerdy weak kid running at the back, unable to keep up because his asthma had his chest tightening and forcing him to slow or pass out. After he got his powers he was so focused on making himself seem normal to keep them hidden, he'd end up running into people or walls.

Now? It was like a weird mix of both, on one hand he wanted to move, to be active like nothing was wrong, to make sure he was able to use his prosthetics to the best of his ability, while also making sure nothing seemed wrong, that his footsteps weren't too loud, or that he didn't bump into anyone with his metal arm and have them question why it hurt so much. Adding on the fact that coach moleskin was out for him didn't help; while others were made to do more excessive workouts, Peter got singled out, quite passive aggressively he'd like to add, and did simpler ones. Where the class had to do sprints back and forth across the gym, Peter had to jog around it. When they had to do burpees, he got to do jumping jacks. 

More than a few remarks got thrown his way, but Peter elected to ignore them.

When the bell finally rang Peter breathed a sigh of relief. He's slow to return to the locker room, wasting time by stretching and getting a drink of water as he once again waits for everyone else to change and leave before he ducks inside. He once again returns to one of the more private areas in the locker room to change, shoving his gym clothes back in his gym bag. He stares at himself in the mirror, watching the way the light reflected on where metal met flesh near his shoulder. 

He chews his lip and then pulls out the fleshy cover, slipping it over the metal. It looks better now, slightly off, like it was obviously a sleeve of fleshy material, but still better than pure metal. He nods and leaves the private space, heading back out of the lock room to find Ned waiting for him. He grins and falls into step beside him, heading to their next class together.

Hopefully it'll be better. 

~

When the final bell rings Peter was quick to stand up and slip out of the room, dodging other students as he hurried to his locker. He shoved some text books back in without a care, wanting to get out of the hustle and bustle that was the hallway at dismissal. He quickly zips up his sweater and falls into step with the throng of students, allowing the moving mass to slowly help him find his way out of the building. He groans and stretches on the steps, waiting for Ned to join him so the two could walk home together. 

Ned and Mj appear together, chatting about some assignment they shared for a different class. The girl says her goodbye to the two before once more disappearing into the crowd.

"I don't get how you guys do that."  Ned mumbles as he and Peter start walking.

"You just kinda... go with the flow you know? when you see a gap take it, but don't bump into anyone cause then it'll cause a traffic jam" Peter explains with a shrug.

"Its people, not cars" 

"Same thing"

"It's really not." Peter just laughs and the two continue, walking further and further away from the bodies all leaving midtown.

"Have you heard anything about when Mister Delmar is gonna open back up?" Peter asks, glancing over at Ned.

"not yet, but I haven't gotten the chance to ask about it in a bit. I'll ask my grandma if she heard anything from her daily gossip." Ned says with a slight nod.

"cool."

"Why don't you just ask Tony stark to help? he could give Delmar some money-"

"I'm not asking Mister Stark to throw money at Mister Delmar to get his shop fixed." Peter scoffs

"I'm not saying he has to throw money at the issue, i'm saying maybe he can donate something to get him back on his feet!"

"Same thing, Ned." Now its Neds turn to scoff.

"He cares about you, and you care about Delmars, I think it's an easy thing to ask for! Helping the community and all that!" 

"Ned, Mister Stark is already doing a lot. I don't wanna bother him to do more by asking him to fund mister Delmar. Plus I don't think mister Delmar would want money like that from him you know? he's always gone on about doing things on his own and building himself up with his own work." Peter scratches the back of his neck, the metal fingers better at hitting the spot then his flesh ones. 

"I guess." Ned sighs, thinking over Peter's words. 

"We gonna swap Christmas presents?" Ned asks hopefully and Peter chuckles.

"Yeah we will. I still gotta get gifts, we decorated the apartment though, looks nice." Peter hums.

"Cool. you gonna get mister stark a gift? happy?"

"I... I think so. I want to but what do you give someone who has enough money to break the economy?" Peter sighs.

"You could just like... get him something stupid?"

"Maybe...see you tomorrow?"

"Yea, see you tomorrow Peter." With their signature handshake the two split, heading in separate directions. 

The rest of the walk Peter remains silent, thinking over their conversation.

~

When he steps into the apartment, the first thing he notices is the smell. It smelt a little too good to be true and when he walks around the corner into the kitchen its pepper, who's cooking at the stove, Tony was sitting at the island, tinkering with... well it just looked like a mass of metal and wires so Peter wasn't really sure what he was working on.

"Hi Pete! How was your day back? everything good?" Tony instantly pops up, a grin on his face as he focuses on Peter. 

"Oh it... it was good." Peter murmurs, rubbing at his shoulder. Leaving the cold New York air for the warmth of the apartment left his stump aching. Tony notices instantly, eyes focusing on where Peter was rubbing but he doesn't ask.

"Good to hear." Tony grins and Peter sets his backpack on the chair. Peter ignores the slight gilt that fills him at lying to Tony, but the man already had a lot on his plate. So what if two of his teachers were annoyed with him? it'll be fine, it should blow over eventually.

"What are you making?" He asks, looking over pepper to see what she's making. 

"Just making some meat for a lasagna, I like to be prepared ahead of time so by the time dinner rolls around the lasagna will be cold enough to eat without burning our mouths." she grins and Peter nods.

"Can I help with anything?" He asks, wanting to turn his attention away from his shitty day to something entertaining.

"Please! As long as you don't mess up like Tony, I'll take any help I can get." pepper grins, reaching under the sink for a second apron for Peter.

"I'm not that bad!" Tony argues, work forgotten as he watches the two move around in the kitchen.

"Hun you managed to fuck up scrambled eggs and my stainless steel pan." Pepper sighs, raising a brow at Tony.

"Hey! they still tasted good!"

"You managed to make it both burnt and raw." pepper deadpans and Peter can't help but laugh, listening to the two as he washes his hands.

"Betrayer." Tony snarks, playfully glaring at Peter who just sticks his tongue back out.

"Anyway, Peter, you can start boiling the lasagna sheets while I cook the meat, then I'll show you how to start the sauce." Pepper explains as Peter ties the apron on, a soft smile on his face.

"Got it." he nods, turning and flicking the faucet on. 

The two fall into an easy flow, Peter working on the sauce and the pasta while pepper works on the meat.

Tony watches from the island the entire time, heart full as he watches his two favorite people work together. He may or may not have taken a couple pictures too, it was too good of an opportunity. 

Eventually they get the lasagna tossed into the oven, cheese layered heavily on top and in between, Tony helping slightly in that department.

"So tomorrow happy will pick you up and drive you to school in the morning and then get you after-" Tony starts while Peter washes his hands, the boy interrupting quickly, "could he drive a like... normal car? I don't want people wondering why I'm getting dropped off by a like... by an Audi."

"I have my Acura-" 

"Can't it be like a Honda or something?" Peter whines, once more interrupting Tony as he dries his hands.

"A honda? ew, you need better taste kid"

"Hondas aren't that bad!"

"Do you even know anything about cars?" Tony grins, brow raised.

"Not really," Peter sighs, rolling his eyes at Tony's amusement.

"Tony stop messing with Peter." pepper adds as she walks by the island, cleaning up the kitchen while they wait for the lasagna to be done. She was going to make some veggies on the side, but she wanted to have space first.

"I'm not even doing anything!" Tony argues, once more making Peter laugh. Pepper sends him a look and he deflates.

"I'll get happy to drive you in an inconspicuous car" He promises, a gleam in his eye that Peter doesn't fully trust.

"Thanks Tony."

~

The lasagna is done and pulled out of the oven an hour later, the roasted parmesan asparagus Pepper made on the side worked well with it. 

May was never the best cook and looking at the spread on the table, Peter felt a pang of grief hit him. He truly missed her, she would've loved this.

Tony pours himself and pepper a cup of red wine, grinning as he talks about it, "A Chateau Lafite Rothschild Pauilla, with notes of blackcurrant, cedar, and earthiness will definitely complement meat and tomato sauce." 

Pepper rolls her eyes, swirling the wine in her cup with an amused grin as he turns to Peter, "And for you, Underoos, sparkling apple cider." He pours the apple cider into Peter's cup with a dramatic flourish.

"Thanks." Peter laughs taking a sip of his cup, "I'm getting hints of..." he smacks his lips, pretending to ponder, "apple."

Pepper snorts into her cup, "bon appetite" she chuckles, raising her cup to Tony before sipping at her wine. 

"So, underoos, what do you want for Christmas?" Tony starts, cutting into his lasagna and bringing a forkful to his lips. Peter shrugs as he chews on an asparagus.

"Come on kid you gotta want something!" Tony implores around a mouthful of food.

"I dunno, there's not much I really want." He murmurs.

"Pete, kid, let me spoil you! It's Christmas, isn't this time of year all about getting presents and shit?" Tony continues and pepper raises a brow at him, "stuff." he corrects quickly.

Peter just shrugs again, poking at his food as he thinks.

"I can make you new covers for your prosthetics? or just new prosthetics in general, how does red sound? or blue, or both, you know to match your Spiderman theme and all." Tony rambles, "I could make you a new suit too instead? make it festive and fun! you got that closet so I gotta start filling it up you know."

"Mister stark-"

"Tony"

"Tony, you already got me so much stuff when we moved here, like... I still have two different pairs of shoes I haven't even worn yet." Peter points out, "there's not really much I need."

"Peter, I don't care if you don't need anything, I know there's gotta be stuff in that big brain of yours that you want." Tony insists, stabbing an asparagus and shoving it into his mouth

"Tony" pepper warns, watching the conversation unfold.

"I can get you whatever you want! How about a car?"

"I don't even have my license yet, plus it's a waste to have a car in the city! Public transport is just fine."

"Ew, have you seen some of these sidewalks? It's gross and crowded but fine, no car. I could build you a new phone, or if you really want I could buy you an iPhone but a stark phone is obviously superior!" He continues, "If not a phone or car what about like... action figures? books? legos? New video game console?" 

"I just... I want May back." He whispers, focusing on his food. 

A quiet settles at the table.

"Yea kid. I know." Tony sighs softly, "if I could I'd give you her too."

They eat in silence, guilt eating Peter alive for ruining the dinner with his grief.

Eventually the food is done, Peter grabbing two extra plates on Tony's insistence, and they remain sitting quietly.

"I just want to make this holiday season good for you Pete. I wanna see you smiling as often as you used to." Tony says softly and Peter lifts his head to look at him. He's staring into his wine glass, spinning the drink around within.

"You already have. It's so nice to come back from school to a pretty tree and a decorated house. There's not really much I want... just wanna... I guess, spend time with you." Peter shrugs.

"aw Pete." Pepper coos softly, standing from her chair to give the kid a hug that he happily returns. Tony stays silent, eyes now trained on the two as a small smile graces his lips.

"How about this, I get Rhodey and happy to join us on Christmas Eve, maybe even your friends if you'd want, then we all eat good food and play those stupid Mario games you love so much. We can skip the gift giving or only do something small, whatever you're up for. Then Christmas Day it'll be just us, we'll go on a walk, get some new flowers for ben and may, and watch stupid Christmas movies after. How's that sound?"

Peter smiles with wet eyes, "that sounds great." 

Pepper hugs him just a bit tighter.

~ 

With the dishes in the washing machine the three find their way to the living room, Tony insisting on watching a Christmas movie to "get in the holiday spirit", causing an argument between him and Peter when Peter suggests die hard.

In the end Pepper picks the movie, going with the classic home alone while Tony pouts about not getting to pick his movie. Peter in turn puts on the ugly ironman themed Christmas sweater Rhodey had given him, just to be petty. 

The three settle on the couch, pepper snuggling into Tony's side as the movie starts. Peter sits on the recliner, wanting to give the couple space. 

His mind wanders as the film progresses, once more thinking back on what to ask for, and what to get Tony and pepper for Christmas. Rhodey and happy too, now that he thinks about it. He also can't forget Ned and mj, or Ned's grandma, she always gave him something small, it's only fair for him to give her something back right? 

He's pulled out of his thoughts when a pillow hits him in the face, leaving him sputtering, "Hey!" 

Tony just laughs, "sorry kid, thought your tingle would warn you."

"It doesn't work that way!" Peter argues, "and don't call it a tingle, its my spider sense" he huffs

"Whatever, why don't you join us? there's space right here." Tony insists, tapping the couch beside him. 

"Oh, uh, no thanks, I'm fine here." Peter starts and Tony raises a brow.

"Get in here underoos." He insists, raising half the blanket up. Even Pepper watches him expectantly, mirroring Tony's look.

Peter flushes but stands, slipping in beside Tony. He sits stiffly, not wanting to lean or get too close. Tony rolls his eyes, a hint of fondness and exasperation as he throws his free arm around Peter's shoulder and pulls the kid in close.

"This is how you watch a Christmas movie." He states as Peter stiffly leans against his side. Tony tries not to let the coldness of Peter's arm get to him, but man it was cold. Maybe he should fix that, update it to match Peter's body temp or something.

It takes a moment, but he eventually starts to relax, sinking into the man's embrace with a sigh.

The stress of the day finally hits Peter as he sinks further into Tony's warmth, sighing as he leans his head against his mentor's shoulder. It's hard to fight the way his eyes start to droop, but being so close to Tony, it was easy to focus on the man's heartbeat, easy to let himself fall asleep to the sound.

Both Pepper and Tony notice when Peter falls asleep, sharing an amused look. 

"We're barely halfway through the movie." Tony murmurs softly

"School must've taken a lot out of him then he thought." Pepper hums, eyes back on the tv. "You saw him rubbing his arm too right?" pepper questions.

"Oh yea."

"But he didn't say anything."

"Yup."

"You're going to wait for him to come to you about it right?"

"For a bit. I don't want him hurting himself because he doesn't wanna bother us, but I also don't want to force the issue so soon." Pepper just hums in thought.

"Let's finish the movie, then I'll carry him to bed and we can talk after."

"You sure about that old man?" pepper teases and Tony rolls his eyes

"I'll have you know I'm still quite strong, even without the ironman armor." He huffs and pepper can't help but laugh.

The movie comes to an end and Pepper stands first, stretching her arms over her head as Tony carefully extracted his arm from behind Peter's head. Then he stands, turning and gently scooping Peter up, trying not to groan at the weight he's met with, determined not to let Pepper win. He isn't old!

He carries Peter to his room, gently setting him under his covers before tucking him in properly.

"Night Pete." He whispers quietly before slipping out of his bedroom, leaving the door slightly ajar.

"How much is your back hurting right now?"

"Shut up Pep." 

Her laughter echoes in the apartment.

"Stay the night?"

"I don't want to overstep, it's Peter's home too Tony."

"I promise you he won't mind, he was even sad you left after we decorated."

A moment of quiet, then, "If you're sure."

"About us? always."

~

When Peter steps out of the house in the morning, he's greeted by one very disgruntled happy sitting in a very bright blue kia soul.

Peter can't help but laugh and happy glares at him, "Shut it kid and get inside." The man says with an eye roll, hiding his own amusement badly.

"You know I asked Tony if you could drive a Honda. He shot that down."

"Of course he did."