Chapter Text
It was a very tiring month for the Avengers.
No, there haven't been alien invasions, or HYDRA attacks recently, but there have been attempted kidnapping, mugging and hostage-taking of minors closely related to them- like really close.
The most who are affected are, understandably, Tony, Clint and Scott; they probably got a few more gray hairs from the whole ordeal, and a few more nightmares and sleepless nights. They've actually reeled back from missions and patrols just to spend time with their kids and make sure they were okay.
After what happened with Morgan, they decided that a playdate at the tower was in order. Both Morgan and Cassie were allowed to skip class for the rest of the week, and along with Lila and Cooper, the four of them could hang out at the penthouse common room.
They sat in front of the T.V. and put on a game of Mario Kart. Cooper and Cassie mostly exchanged taunts and were fighting for first place, while Lila just tried to keep up as Morgan cheered her on.
Tony, Clint and Scott sat at the kitchen counter not too far, watching their children with a cup of coffee in hand and somber expressions on their faces. They only really stirred when Cooper shouted in victory: "I win!"
Cassie's voice followed with a huff as she crossed her arms. "You were just lucky!"
The eldest boy smirked, "One more round, and I'll show you it's all skill."
And the young girl, ever so up for a challenge, easily agreed. "You're on!"
Their exchange put a smile on the heroes' faces. Seeing their kids enjoying themselves gave them peace of mind; that maybe what they've been through hadn't affected them as horribly as they thought it did.
"How about we make this a little more interesting-" Cooper had said, but the children's voices faded into the background, as the adults focused more on each other's company.
"How's Morgan doing?" Scott asked carefully. Tony casually gestured to the children in the background. "Better." He answered, "She's more cheerful now, a few nightmares here and there, but it's getting better."
That information turned the ant-themed superhero's expression into a guilty one, and Tony knew what he was going to say. "Look, Tony-"
"Uh-uh," The billionaire stopped him with a hand, "If you're going to apologize for not being there when we rescued her, don't. It's okay. It was in short notice. I know you would’ve come if you had the chance."
Although that reassured Scott a bit, he still had to continue, "But still. I just want you to know that you can rely on me, especially when it comes to this. I can't imagine what you had to go through."
Tony just patted his shoulders. "And I hope you never have to imagine it, Lang."
"Dadvengers need to stick together," Clint said as he raised his mug before taking a hearty sip, earning an eye roll from Tony and a chuckle from Scott. The archer continued, "Now from one dad whose kid was saved by Spidey to another, how do you deal when your kids replace you as their favorite superhero with a colorful spider-themed vigilante."
The two other fathers just looked at him amused. "Jealous of Spider-man, I see?" The billionaire pointed out.
The archer gasped, offended. "I am not jealous . It just gets annoying when your kids go 'Spider-man this,' 'Spider-man that,' and 'Hey daddy, give us the tablet, we're going to watch Spider-man vids!'"
Scott couldn't help but chuckle again. "Oh come on, it's not that bad. His videos are impressive. Plus, I find it cute when Cassie gushes about him."
"Can't say I relate." Tony boasted, "My baby still thinks I'm the best. It's just that Underoos comes to a close second- fighting ranks with Natasha."
Clint looked flabbergasted again with this newfound information as he was sputtering for a reply. Natasha was cooler than him?! Well- she is- but to have to hear that out loud?!
However, speaking of the spider-themed vigilante, they haven’t talked to him ever since. Really they tried to after he woke up from the whole Morgan incident, but the kid was adamant he had somewhere he really needed to be. “M-my Au- uh- roommates! Yeah- my roommates are going to be suspicious if I don’t make it home soon. I have uh- dinner duty.” He claimed- and Tony, and everybody else, weren’t convinced, but they had no reason to doubt him really.
They still tried to convince him to stay, ”Call your roommates and tell them you can’t make it home- you can have dinner here instead- it’s the least I could do.” Tony remembered offering, but the vigilante had asked for his backpack, thanked the heroes for respecting his identity, and then swung out the nearest balcony.
After that, the interactions they’ve had with the kid were very few. After all, the Avengers rarely dealt with petty crime, and there haven't been big baddies wreaking havoc as of late. The most recent interaction they had was a few weeks ago, Spidey asked for medical assistance for a large gash on his side. “ I would have dealt with it myself, but my first aid kit is running low on stuff. I’m sorry for disturbing you.” Tony remembered his words as clear as day. They were quick to patch him up, and give him a fully stocked first aid kit before he went his way.
The billionaire wouldn’t admit it outloud, but he worries for the guy (He stops himself from calling him kid). If only he could be more open with the team, they’d make sure someone had his back. Spider-man however, seemed to be adamant on working alone.
His trail of thought was cut short when F.R.I.D.A.Y. made an announcement. "Boss, the students for the field trip are here. Mrs. Stark is requesting your presence at public lab Twenty-one."
Tony couldn't help but groan. "Tell the Boss I'll be there in five minutes."
"Field Trip? I didn't know S.I. held field trips." Scott said.
Clint then snorted, "Yeah, wouldn't this place be a bit too boring for elementary students."
The billionaire pointedly glared at the archer. "One, we held this field trip because we thought it would be good for PR. Two, this place is amazing and the students who are visiting are Freshman High School students of a very scholarly school who very much are gearing themselves up to work here in the future. So really this is probably the best field trip of their lives."
The archer just rolled his eyes and seemingly took a sip from his coffee mug. Then he mumbled, "This or Oscorp."
Tony stood up and pointed a judging finger at Clint. "You're lucky your children and wife are very close to my family, or else I would have kicked you out for that remark." He then turned around and started walking away, "Don't you two have training with Rogers and Romanov? Don't you think it's time to get your asses whooped?"
The archer and ant-themed vigilante just sighed and stood up, following the billionaire out, but first they said their goodbyes to their kids.
"Okay you little nuggets," Tony said, "We're going to start working now. You guys stay here , okay? We'll be back by snack time."
-----
After another round of Mario Kart, Cooper lost to Cassie, and the boy couldn't help but grumble while the girl danced in victory.
"Told you you were just lucky." Cassie stuck her tongue out. Cooper mirrored it.
"I bet if we had another round, I'd win." The boy grumbled, but Lila playfully smacked his shoulders.
"Before you make more bets, you have to fulfill your first one." She said then crossed her arms, looking sternly at her brother.
Cooper cursed under his breath. Maybe it wasn't a good idea to bet that he'd buy all four of them cakes if he lost. That was expensive! Then again, he was still using the card Tony lent them, so maybe it wasn't that bad. His pockets won't be damaged, only his pride. He wouldn't go back on his word though- that would be an even bigger disgrace!
So the boy ultimately sighed and looked up at the ceiling, calling out to F.R.I.D.A.Y. for assistance. "Ms. F.R.I.D.A.Y. Can you please order our usual from the canteen on the third floor?"
"I apologize, Young Cooper," The A.I. answered with its robotic yet oddly still very apologetic voice. "It seems that the cafeteria is too busy at the moment. It's going to take a while to have your cakes delivered. I suggest ordering outside instead?"
They would have taken the suggestion, but the four kids really liked the cake made at the cafeteria in the tower. The lady who baked them already knew what they liked whenever they ordered, plus she always added her special milkshake for them! How could they be so busy? It never got too busy despite the number of employees before.
"What's going on at the cafeteria?" Lila couldn't help but ask.
"Oh, F.R.I.D.A.Y. did say there was a field trip today, maybe it's their snack time?" Morgan remembered.
"You are correct, Young Morgan." F.R.I.D.A.Y. promptly answered, "The different groups of students from Midtown Science and Technology High School are currently occupying a few of the cafeterias."
She perked up at the mention of the familiar high school. "That's Peter's school!" She squealed in delight.
Cassie, Lila and Cooper snapped their heads towards the girl and simultaneously they said, "You know Peter?"
Then the four of them looked at each other and repeated, " You know him too?!"
It was a moment of silence as the situation sank into their minds slowly. They couldn't help but snort, and then chuckle at how they ended up like this.
"Did he save you without a mask too?" Cooper asked, with a sheepish smile. Lila couldn't help but reflect the same expression as she remembered how they met Spidey.
"He kinda pretended to be my babysitter to get me away from the bad guy." Cassie added.
"I think he was too much in a hurry latching onto my van to change into his costume" Morgan tried to recall.
They all couldn't keep their laugh in again. For someone who really cared about keeping their identity a secret, it seemed to be like Spidey's last priority. Because he cared more about the people he needed to save than himself. And the children honestly found that that was the most admirable part of him.
"It's really Peter's school?" Cassie asked with sparkles in her eyes, "Do you think he's here?"
"Maybe?" Morgan said excitedly, turning to the ceiling again, "F.R.I.D.A.Y. Can you check if he is?"
The A.I. seemed to lag a bit at the question, but she answered, "I do not know this Peter. He does not seem to be in the tower’s database. I could locate him if you give me a physical description."
The kids were just buzzing with excitement at the fact that Spider-man could be in the tower at that exact moment.
"Brown kinda fluffy hair!" Cassie shouted.
"Brown eyes too! Kinda like daddy's!" Morgan quickly added.
"Height is approximately 5"7? Weight, I'm assuming, is around 150 pounds?" Lila supplied, with Cooper adding more information, "Shoe size is definitely 10, and measurements are 40-34-37." The little Stark and little Lang couldn't help but look at the two Barton's a little shocked.
"What?" Cooper huffed, "Our dad and aunt are super spies. They taught us a thing or two."
And with that, it wasn't long until F.R.I.D.A.Y. was able to pinpoint a boy who matched their descriptions. A boy, in a black oversized hoodie sitting on a cafeteria table alone.
Not even a minute after, all four children knew what they were going to do next.
"Wait, didn't our dads say we're not allowed to leave?"
"Eh, they said to stay here . We can assume here means the tower, right? I think this is fine."
----
On a normal day, Peter would be excited for a field trip to Stark Industries. Who wouldn't be? Yeah, he's been to the Avengers' training gym from time to time, and even got to hangout at the common room once, plus he recently woke up in the Med Bay (with his mask on, thank God), but in a field trip, he would be able to see labs, and experiments! Something Spider-man isn’t known to fanboy about. Of course, he would want to be excited!
But it was hard though.
For one, he was alone. It was dumb Parker Luck that his two closest friends caught the flu, and because of that, Flash and his posse were annoying him more than ever.
Why did he still decide to join the field trip? He couldn’t help but sigh and slouch on the cafeteria table.
Aunt May wanted him to. She had said that he hasn't been enjoying himself recently- that he was working too hard- so she really pushed him to try the field trip out. “Do something fun, please, Peter. For me?” She said, and how could Peter say no to that.
So here he was, trying his best to enjoy it. But truth be told, Peter only really gave in because he heard there was going to be a robot-building competition, and there would be prize money. And he really, really needed the money.
He sighed loudly and rubbed his temple. He was starting to get a headache. Maybe he shouldn’t have stayed up late, or ate such a small breakfast. Accompanied with his nerves about the robot-building competition, he just really felt on edge. As if- as if something was going to jump at him any moment-
"Peter!"
Before he could even react, he was tackled from both sides!
To his surprise, Morgan and Cassie were hugging him, while Lila and Cooper took the empty seats right in front of him.
"It's good to see you again, man." Cooper said, raising his hand for a high five, and Peter slowly returned it, still rather surprised.
The teenager eventually smiled at his new company, honestly just genuinely happy not to be alone anymore. "Wow, it's good to see you guys too. I didn't expect to actually see you today though. I was promised labs, not the Avenger's kids." He joked, and it earned him giggles from the younger ones.
"I guess you're in for a treat then." Lila remarked.
"Peter, wanna hang out?" Cassie asked, tugging his sleeve excitedly. Morgan nodded enthusiastically too. "You can come with us to the penthouse, we can play board games, or tag, or hide and seek."
"That sounds really fun," And as much as Peter wanted, he knew he wasn't allowed to - probably both by Tony Stark (who would let a teenage stranger in their penthouse?) and the school. His smile turned quite sad, but he tried to keep it on just to maybe reassure the kids around him. "But I can't. I'm on a field trip and I'm not really allowed to leave my class."
That got him pouts and frowns from the Avenger's children. Peter instantly felt guilty.
"Hmm, maybe we can tag along instead?" Cooper thought out loud, and that seemed to catch everyone's attention.
"Can we?" Morgan's eyes sparkled as she looked up at the teen, and gosh, Peter was a sucker for children and their puppy dog eyes.
Although, he can't just hang out with the Avengers' kids! … right? That would attract unnecessary attention. Not to mention so many questions. Wouldn't that kind of endanger his identity?
"I don't know guys, haven't you been everywhere in the Tower by now?" Peter tried to argue, "Wouldn't this trip bore you?"
"I haven't! I just go here to visit Morgan, Lila and Cooper." Cassie.
"I'm always just at Daddy's Laboratory or Mommy's office." Morgan.
"We really didn't find the Tower that interesting when we got here, so we didn't think to explore it. Now we do though!" Cooper, with Lila nodding beside him.
Peter felt like he was fighting a losing battle trying to convince these children. That, and really he could feel that a huge part of him did want them to come. It would definitely be more fun than being alone- and he really didn’t want to be alone.
"Okay, I guess you can come." The teen said slowly, and it received a chorus of cheers from everyone else on the table. Peter hurriedly shushed them before they caught more unnecessary attention.
The children caught themselves and did a whispered cheer instead. Gosh, Peter thought they were so adorable.
He cleared his throat and whispered, "We need an alibi on how we suddenly got into this situation though, and my classmates don't know about my secret okay, so no talking about that!"
The kids nodded obediently.
They started brainstorming for the alibi, and Peter just took a deep breath. This was going to be a ride. But the teen couldn’t help but look forward to it.
----
So their alibi was that Peter was Cassie's babysitter sometimes and that her dad, who they claim worked in SI (which isn’t entirely a lie, right?), brought her to work. They saw him and he asked a favor to keep an eye on her. Cooper and Lila were her friends who also had parents who worked there, and Morgan too, obviously. Their parents heard about the field trip and thought it was a good distraction to have them join.
The teacher with them, Mr. Harrington was hesitant to allow this, but he feared that saying no to Morgan Stark would have them kicked out of the building, so he agreed.
The intern was about to call Tony or Pepper to make sure, but Morgan beat her to it.
“Mommy and Daddy are really busy, Ms. Jenny! Don’t worry though, F.R.I.D.A.Y. is keeping an eye on us! Right, F.R.I.D.A.Y.?”
With the A.I. affirming this, the field trip reluctantly continued.
Now Peter, who held Morgan's hand in his left, as Morgan held Cassie's, while Lila and Cooper stuck close on his right side, was following behind their group. They went to research labs where they saw projects being worked on through an observation window. “That’s the phone Uncle Tony gave us!” Lila had said, while she and Cooper showed off their Stark Phones. They even used it to take a selfie, and the camera quality was amazing ! It was close to owning an actual DSLR camera itself.
They also saw experiment displays which mostly featured improved drones, robots, and security cameras. “Daddy tested those drones with the help of Cassie’s daddy.” Morgan shared, making Cassie giggle at the memory. “Uncle Tony wanted to test out if it was flying safe so he asked daddy to ride it!” Peter ended up snickering too. He couldn’t say he was surprised Tony would do something like that.
And Peter’s personal favorite- the Avengers display room! The kids even supplied some juicy and hilarious trivia about their parents- and let it slip that there was a display for Spider-man in the making- Peter was so confused because he wasn't an Avenger! At least not officially- but he also felt warm and happy that his childhood heroes saw him worthy of recognition.
Everyone was initially buzzing with excitement too because the adorable daughter of the one who owned the building was with them, but it instantly died when Morgan shied away every time they tried to approach for a conversation and even a picture. She'd hide behind Peter, and it was one of the few rare moments when one could actually see Peter glare at someone if they even attempted to push the girl out of her comfort zone. This caused a few whispers about how the brunet suddenly seemed so high and mighty just because he knew Tony Stark's kid (courtesy of Flash and his posse).
Lila brought it up out of concern, while her brother's mood slowly started souring because of it. "Did you hear what they just said?"
Peter just sighed, "Yeah, I did."
Cooper couldn't help but snap a bit, "Then why aren't you doing anything about it? I'm pretty sure you can beat them up for it right?"
The brunet could only shake his head, and whisper his answer. "It doesn't work like that. They know me as Peter Parker, a weak, loser who can't fight back, not as Spider-man, the super awesome, super cool hero."
Cassie frowned. "But you are him!"
Morgan nodded in agreement. "So if Spider-man isn't a loser, then Peter Parker is definitely not one too!"
Peter couldn't help but smile warmly. "Thank you. But I'm still not beating anyone up unless they're a bad guy. It wouldn't be heroic if I did."
Cooper couldn't help but contemplate this. "I guess you're right. But you know we could prank him or humiliate him if you want payback." Cassie nodded enthusiastically at the idea.
The brunet just chuckled tiredly, "Really guys, no need for that okay? Flash and his friends aren't even worth the time."
Cooper just patted his shoulders, "We're up for it if you ever change your mind." He only got an eye roll as a reply.
They had talked about the robot building competition too.
"Oh! I remember you saying that you build your own web shooters back in the alleyway." Lila brought up, "So you must be good at building stuff in general!"
Peter got rather flustered at the compliment. "I guess you can say that?"
"Does that mean you're going to win the robot building competition?" Cassie's eyes practically sparkled in admiration.
The teen couldn't help but scratch the back of his head. "I mean. I'll definitely try. There are many skilled students here though."
"We think you're gonna beat 'em all!" Cooper cheered.
Morgan held Peter's hand tighter and smiled up at him so brightly. "Yeah Peter! You can do it! You'll definitely win."
The brunet couldn't help but smile. How could he doubt himself with such good people supporting him. "You know what, you guys are right. I'll definitely win this."
Not just for his aunt, but for them too.
All in all, spending time with them was really fun, it made him forget about his nerves. But of course it didn't last that long.
"Okay kids," The intern, Jenny, clapped to catch their attention, "The last group is already done with the robot-making competition, and now it's your turn. Please enter lab twenty-one and there will be equipment and personnel waiting for you there."
There was something about lab twenty-one that made Morgan think she was forgetting something.
She had only remembered when she, along with Peter and her friends finally got inside. Because they were the last to get in, everyone was basically already dispersed to their own building tables, leaving them to be the only ones standing by the door, so easy to be seen from the stage.
And there on the stage, stood her father, Tony Stark talking to her mom, Pepper Stark. And Morgan could just feel this wasn't going to end well.
Peter felt the same after seeing him, but what he was feeling was different- his senses were buzzing.
"Okay kiddies, it's your turn to do some building-" Tony began his announcement but he instantly stopped at the sight of his daughter and his teammates' children. "Kids? What are you doing here? And who are you ?" He had directed the last question towards Peter with so much poison. "Get away from my daughter."
Normally, Stark wouldn't act so rash so quickly, but he did not know how to react to seeing his recently kidnapped daughter holding hands with a stranger who wore black like he was one of those kidnappers themselves.
The man got off the stage and started striding towards them, one hundred percent planning to take away the kids from that random teen.
Peter's senses started ringing . There was… danger. Where was it? He started looking around- which wasn't helping his case because it seemed like he was nervous.
"Mr. Stark, sir" Mr. Harrington jumped in the rescue of his student, standing in between the billionaire and the teen. "Peter was instructed by the children's parents to keep an eye on them while they worked, sir."
"That's funny- because I'm pretty sure Scott and Clint were too busy in training to be able to tell this punk anything." Tony hissed.
Gasps and then whispers started erupting from the students the same time shock took over Mr. Harrigton's face. The cat was out of the bag and Peter Parker had lied to them. Those kids weren't just kids of SI workers, they were the kids of the Ant-Man and the Hawkeye- kids of the Avengers. They already thought Peter was acting so weird- especially now - but to do something as insane as taking the Avengers' kids without their permission, that was just unheard of. Mr. Harrington couldn't do anything but step away- not knowing how to handle the situation.
"Wow, Parker. We knew you were desperate for money, but we never thought you'd go as far as try to kidnap the Avengers' kids." Flash had said, just adding fuel to the flame. Now the Starks just wanted them away from the teenager even more.
"Oh no." Lila muttered, "What do we do?"
"We still can't tell them the truth. But… Peter's going to get in trouble if we don't." Cooper said back.
Pepper had also gotten off the stage and went to Tony's side, trying to calm him down, but even she was too concerned for the children's safety. She was more calm and rational about this though.
"Hey…" she gestured softly, but doubt was reflected in her expression, "Hand the kids over, can you do that?"
Peter definitely would have done it no questions asked- but - dangerdangerdanger . He held on to Morgan's hand tighter, making the girl look up at him. "Peter?" The mention of his name had caught the attention of the other kids too.
"M-Morgan, I- '' The brunet teen tried to make sense of it all, tried to explain it.
And then he heard it.
A click, then.. constant, rapid ticking .
He turned to Jenny, and she… looked different. She didn't look like their happy intern tour guide anymore. She looked almost devoid of emotion, like someone about to commit something they can’t take back.
Peter acted. The woman had a bomb on her, and he had to keep everyone safe. It was the only thing he knew how to do.
Of course that wasn't what people saw. People saw it as him trying to run and assaulting an intern.
The kids were pulled away by Pepper, while Tony informed F.R.I.D.A.Y. to get security before he intervened himself.
Luckily, Peter found the bomb. Her phone- he should have known. And before Tony could even lay a finger on him, Peter jumped away, ran towards the closest window, broke it and then threw the phone outside.
With only a second passing by, it exploded! The force caused nearby windows to shatter. Everyone just stared in disbelief.
Fortunately, no one was near enough to get hurt…except for Peter.
It wasn't bad, really. A few shrapnel in his shoulders, nothing too serious. His eyes scanned his surroundings, making sure everyone was okay; the kids were okay, Tony and Pepper were okay, his classmates and teacher were okay.
They weren't hurt.
But why are his senses still screaming?
"I can't believe this. How'd you know, you brat?!" The intern screamed, looking as angry as ever.
Pepper was first to speak after. "Jenny what's going on-"
"Shut up!" Then all too sudden, Jenny pulled out a gun from under her skirt, aiming it at the CEO.
Tony was quick to stand in between his wife, the kids, and the gunman. "Woah, woah. Let's not do anything we'd regret."
"Oh, you'll learn about regret today, Tony Stark." The woman hissed. "It would have been quick and if it weren't for him!" Her aim flew towards Peter and she shot at him with no warning.
Everyone who knew him screamed his name.
Luckily, he had spider senses- luckily, he was able to move away. It would have been a horrific sight if he didn’t. The last thing Peter wanted was traumatizing everyone in the room.
Jenny took a deep breath - as if composing herself again before proceeding. She turned to the people of MidTown high and glared. "I'm giving everyone else a chance to leave." She said grimly. "My business is with Tony Stark, and not with you."
Mr. Harrington shakingly spoke up. "Please, l-let me take Peter-"
"Oh him? He's staying right here. He ruined everything ." She glared at the brunet.
"Let him go, Jenny!" Tony growled. "Like you said, your problem is with me. Let everyone else go."
"Mr. Stark, I don't think you’re aware of your situation. I make the rules now. I’m giving the chances here. If they don't want to take it because of one kid, then they die along with you and your family."
The atmosphere was heavy with dread. No one knew what to say or what to do.
It was Peter who spoke up, and he did it with the bravest smile he could muster. "It's okay, Mr. Harrington. You can leave me behind… I'll be okay."
"Peter, I can't possibly-!"
" Please - just go! I'll be alright- I’m with the Tony Stark after all. I- I’ll be safe. Just… make sure everyone is safe too."
If Tony wasn’t dealing with another god damn hostage taking , he’d praise the kid’s guts out loud. He’d maybe scold him too because that self-sacrificing behavior shouldn’t be anywhere near a high-school freshman.
Yet in the next few seconds, they watched the people of MidTown leave, quickly although hesitant. It was hard to feel relief in their situation, but at least there was one less thing to worry about. They could focus on the vengeful woman now.
"Activate lockdown." Jenny demanded.
"Excuse me-?" Before Tony could finish what he was going to ask, another gunshot was fired. They were lucky it wasn’t particularly aimed at anyone, and the ricochets had not hit anyone as well.
" Activate. Lock. Down ." The fake intern demanded again. "So the security won't get to us. Do it now. "
Carefully, Tony followed. "F.R.I.D.A.Y. Lockdown Protocol, activate."
"Affirmative, Boss."
At that command, windows and doors were covered with metal blinds. Jenny breathed a sigh of relief. She then proceeded to take out the empty shells in her gun, and replaced them with new ones. "This could've been easy. One go. No more of these demands. Just boom and gone." She muttered to herself all the while doing so, "Now I have to face it like this."
"Why are you doing this, Jenny?" Tony carefully asked, trying to completely obscure the kids and his wife behind him.
“I bet you’ve heard so many different reasons before, Stark. A lot of people have tried to make you pay. How about you choose from one of those instead of me having to waste my breath.” She simply raised the gun and aimed it at him. She was ready to shoot without hesitation.
“In my opinion, I think you owe him an explanation.”
But Peter spoke up, and everyone was shocked to hear the kid talk so casually . Jenny looked so flabbergasted and bordering pissed as she dropped the aim of her gun and turned to the young brunet. “What did you say?”
“I’m just saying,” Peter shrugged, “You’re planning on killing the guy, it’s the least you can do. I mean, Tony Stark is a genius and all, but even he wouldn’t want to think about why this was happening to him.”
“A-are you serious, right now? You’re really talking , right now?” Jenny’s expression was dangerously close to snapping; ready to throw caution to the wind and just shoot anyone at this point .
“Kid, shut up.” Tony Stark hissed at Peter, but the teenager simply ignored him.
“This situation is very serious.” The brunet answered, “So like- by association, whatever I say is pretty serious too, right?” His nonchalant attitude was quickly replaced by a sense of determination as he looked the hostage taker straight in the eye and said, “By the way, you mentioned that you knew a lot of people attempted to take Tony Stark’s life, and I bet you know they also failed . All of them, miserably. So really, what made you think you would be different?”
And that taunt was the last straw. She raised her gun and shot at him with no warning at all.
It earned screams from everyone else in the room, but Peter was quick to push himself away from the line of fire. Quickly, he pushed himself to his feet and charged at the gunned woman.
Another shot rang out, but Peter managed to tackle the woman to the ground. A scuffle happened. Peter slapped the gun away from her hands and wrestled her to the ground. She would claw at him, leaving slices caused by the woman’s nails on Peter’s face and neck. She would also aggravate his shrapnel wounds, but Peter wouldn’t falter.
All the while this was happening, Tony lunged for the gun himself, and aimed it at the woman, but by the time he had done that, the brunet teen had already pinned the crazed woman to the ground. Peter had both her hands pinned on top of her head, and he was straddling her just so she wouldn’t be able to wiggle herself out of this. Her legs weren’t so secure however, and she tried her damndest to knee Peter’s back.
Peter would flinch every time that action tousled his shoulder wounds.
Everyone was still quite frozen from the whole development so the teen tried to get their attention. “M-Mr. and Mrs. Stark- please call the security now.” He has asked politely, but urgently. Quickly, the adults snapped out of their shocked and scared trance, and acted.
While Pepper worked on turning off the lockdown protocol, Tony approached Peter and Jenny.
“Let me go! Let me go, God damn it!” The woman hissed and even spat on the kid. Honestly, Peter had already done so much for them, he didn’t deserve that type of treatment. The least Tony could do was take this woman out of his hands.
“Kid, I’ll hold her.” He offered, but Peter only shook his head.
“Mr. Stark, it’s okay, I got her.” Somehow, his voice started to sound softer… weaker even. Tony’s initial suspicion for the kid was out the window, and now all he had for him was concern.
The woman underneath him was absolutely throwing a fit. She was trying everything to break free from his grip- Tony could even see her nails digging into the poor kid’s hands. Yet his hold was solid and unwavering- or so it seemed. His arms were visibly shaking, and Tony could see him blink too quickly, as if he was trying to stay awake.
Tony wished he noticed all of those last.
"Daddy! Peter's bleeding!"
He wished he had noticed the blood that pooled underneath them first.
That's why the kid was trembling, that's why he looked pale- he got shot.
"Kid- shit- kid, you're hurt! " Tony didn't know what to do. He wanted to get this teen away from the crazy gun lady and help him, but he knew if he did, no one would hold the said gun lady down.
"Gee, Mr. Stark, you don't say?" And somehow despite his situation, he still managed to sass back. But his voice wavered, and the laugh that came after it was weak.
"Come on, I'll hold her down - you- you go rest until the paramedics arrive or something." Tony tried to grab the woman's wrists from him, but it was as if she found a new wave of energy and just lounged.
Peter was slightly frazzled, but he quickly recovered his hold and continued to pin her on the ground. Then as if nothing happened, he reassured Tony.. "S-sir, really. I-I got this. Just- is anyone coming soon? To get her?"
The billionaire turned to his wife. "Honey, we need that lockdown off now !"
Pepper quickly answered, "Just a minute until systems are reset. F.R.I.D.A.Y. said that the Avengers and the paramedics are already outside the door too."
"T-thank goodness. Took them long enough" The teen managed to chuckle. Tony was just … completely speechless with this kid. He's bleeding out, and yet he still managed to joke around.
"Peter." Heads turn to the kids, who were securely positioned behind Pepper still. They wanted to go to Peter, but the sight of blood and the angry lady scared them.
"Come on, guys. I-I'll be fine. You- you know what I'm capable of, r-right?" Peter smiled at them and winked. Was it convincing? Debatable. The billionaire did not buy it for a second. But the kids, the kids seemed so reassured.
Tony found himself being in awe again for the nth time that day. Just who was this kid?
--------
It was the longest minute, but eventually the lock on the doors went down, and in came security, the paramedics, and the Avengers, namely Steve, Natasha, Clint, Scott, and Bruce.
Understandably, the fathers ran to their kids first.
Security had quickly taken the lady out of Peter’s hands, and with Natasha, they escorted her out. Steve went over to the others to get their accounts and make sure they're okay. Of course, Tony had quickly instructed the paramedics about the teen's situation, before he went back to his family and made sure they were okay too.
Peter had suffered mild blood loss, and unfortunately, there was no exit wound. "T-that sucks." He commented as the medical practitioners and Bruce crowded around him.
"That's not a usual comment from a teen who just got shot." Dr. Banner pointed out as he tried to stop the bleeding. “Get the gurney in here! We need to transport him to the medbay ASAP!”
Really, that was the last they heard from them before they cleared out.
As the situation died down, the parents remembered that they had children to scold.
"What did we say?” Clint started, “Don't leave the common room! What did you do? Leave the common room! God, your mom is going to be so pissed." The Barton kids shrunk in guilt.
"Is Peter going to be okay, daddy?" Cassie, who was being carried by her father, wrapped her arms around his neck nervously.
"Peter, is he the kid that got shot?" The archer asked, his voice still snappy.
"Yeah- he's going to be alright, right?" Lila asked too.
"Of course he will be! This tower has the best doctors. That's why mom was taken here!" Cooper tried to reassure, but the children definitely still looked uneasy.
Morgan's frown was deep. She was carried by Pepper, and she couldn't help but turn to her father with a pleading expression. "Daddy, please make sure Peter is okay."
Tony Stark could easily promise that, but his worry and suspicion got the better of him. Do not get him wrong. He is grateful for the kid, but he wanted to know who he was exactly, and how he was able to come anywhere near their kids.
Luckily, Pepper was quick to reassure. She brushed back her daughter’s hair and said, "Sweetie, Daddy's doctors are doing their best.” But she also knew to ask the important questions. “What we need to know though, is why you guys left the penthouse and went with a stranger?"
All the children tensed up, and made eye contact with each other, but none really answered. It really gave the adults a hard time to judge this teen. The kids were keeping secrets because of him . He told them to not talk to their parents about something and Tony didn’t know if he could trust that just yet.
Their ever clouding thoughts were disrupted by F.R.I.D.A.Y. "Dr. Banner would like to request Steve Rogers to the Medical bay.”
“What? Why?” Steve had asked out loud, but after making eye contact with the others, he didn’t wait for an answer, he strode towards the Medical Bay.
The fathers, thinking it was the suspicious teen causing havoc, instructed the kids to stay with Pepper and decided to follow as back up.
When they got to the Med Bay, there wasn’t anything that seemed too out of place. There was a lack of nurses, sure, but the teen was on the medical cot, and Banner was standing beside him. What was odd though was the fact that it was an absolute stand-still . The kid was bleeding out and no one was working on it. Why wasn’t anyone doing anything?
“What’s going on here?” Tony couldn’t help but ask. Bruce’s attention snapped towards them, and his expression morphs into shock, then concern and--- guilt?
“What are you doing here? I only asked for Steve.” The Doctor said.
Before anyone could speak, the teen groaned from his place. “Great, now everyone’s here.”
“I’m sorry- I- I didn’t know the others would come along-” Bruce apologized, which really confused everyone because why would he be apologizing?
“Dr. Banner, please, you don’t have to say sorry.” There was a tense moment of silence as the teen stared at the three -apparently- unwelcomed heroes, before he just sighed and gave in. “Please just get this over with.”
Bruce nodded quickly and grimly. “Here.” He offered the kid a cloth, and to everyone’s confusion, he put it in his mouth like- like a gag . Before they could process what was happening, Banner ordered, “Steve, hold him down.”
The super soldier tensed. “W-what? Bruce, I don’t understand-”
“Hurry! His wound is closing up and we need to get the bullet out now !” Bruce wasn’t this authoritative and loud unless it was a serious situation. So Steve, despite his confusion, followed quickly. To his further surprise, Peter complied as well, letting himself be held down too easily. It left quite a horrible taste in Steve’s mouth.
Bruce quickly grabbed a side table full of medical tools, picked up the bullet extractor and with no hesitation- started to dig out for the bullet. The kid’s muffled shouts of pain caused a shiver to run down the adults’ spine.
“You’re- you’re operating on him without anesthesia?!” Clint couldn’t help but shout.
“He burns through anesthesia!” Bruce shouted back, continuing with his work. “S-shit- the hole has already started to close.”
“H-how’s that possible?!” Scott’s voice rose.
Between the chaos, the confusion, and that kid’s whimpers which will haunt him for the rest of his days to come, Tony slowly pieced it together. Steve struggling with holding him down, his body burning through anesthesia too quickly, a bullet hole healing too fast than it should, being able to hold down a crazed woman even injured?
“He’s enhanced.” The words slipped out of Tony’s mouth.
"Yes but that's not important right now!" Bruce angrily shouted back. "God, Peter- I'm so sorry for this-" He took out a blade and started cutting an entrance to extract the bullet once more.
The kid's agonizing screams were going to haunt everyone in the room.
With the world's mercy it didn't have to last long. Bullet was out, and quickly, Bruce stitched the poor kid up. Even then, soft whimpers escaped the poor kid.
"Peter- it's done." The doctor tried to reassure, placing a gentle hand on the teen's shoulders.
The pain-struck brunet's breath slowly started evening out, and eventually he lost his consciousness.
It was only then that Steve was allowed to let his guard down, and for the rest to kind of get their bearings together.
"What the hell just happened?" Clint broke the silence. Bruce didn't look like he was ready to answer this question. He just sighed as if he lost a few years of his life. "I'll explain once I'm done treating his other wounds. Thanks for coming, but I - and I think Peter as well- would appreciate it if you would leave us alone for now."
No one wanted to leave really, but they knew they had to. One by one they slowly filed out of the medical room, with the thought of the poor teen in their mind.
-----
Dealing with the fall out of the incident was quite hard. It was in everyone's best interest to have the rest of the students go back to their school and head on home. Mr. Harrington refused to leave though, not without an update on his student.
Pepper had told him Peter was being treated in their medical wing (for the shrapnel, the teacher assumed. They don't know he got shot yet, and Pepper assumed it was best not to tell him yet) and that instead Mr. Harrington should just leave a contact number of Peter's guardian and of the school so they would receive updates. She assured them they would take care of everything.
Very hesitantly, he did as he was told, and wrote down a number with the name "Leeds" on it. Which was odd, because when Pepper checked, Peter's last name was Parker.
Seeing her obvious confusion, Mr. Harrington thought it was best to explain. "Peter is staying with his friend's family for the meantime because his aunt has recently been confined in the hospital for… heart problems." The tone in his voice was grave, graver now that Pepper knew why this teacher refused to leave that young man alone.
Pepper had wanted to ask more. Like why his friend's and not another relative? Is that why he needed the money? Is that why the kid thought of taking the Avenger's kids so boldly inside their own tower?
That wasn’t fair, Pepper thought to herself. That kid just saved their lives.
He thought back to the moment when their suspicion peaked. It was after one of the kid’s remarks about Peter needing the money. They were so quick to judge. Pepper believed now that they had jumped to conclusions too fast and she was slowly being consumed by guilt.
Mr. Harrington continued, "Look, Mrs. Stark, I can't even begin to explain or justify Peter's actions earlier, or what he was thinking at all! But believe me when I say that he is a good kid, and he's just going through a tough time- so please whatever happens to him, please make sure he's okay. I wouldn't- I wouldn't want to tell his aunt any bad news."
The CEO nodded grimly, but with a promise. "Our med bay is the best in the world. He will be fine, we'll make sure of it. We will send updates to the Leeds house and the school."
Mr. Harrinton nodded hesitantly one last time before finally deciding to leave.
Pepper goes back to the common room, where the kids sat quietly and dejected.
"Mommy, is there any news on Peter? Where did Daddy go?" Morgan asked as soon as she saw her, and Pepper was still tethering between disappointed and concerned.
"They're at the med bay with Peter. But speaking of him, will you please tell us why you were with him again and not here like we told you to?"
And that question was enough to make the kids tight lipped again. Just as Pepper thought, they were willing to ask about the teen, but not answer anything that concerns him. Pepper's not even sure how to scold the kids about this- after all they just got out of another traumatic experience. Now's really not the time. But this silence, this secret-keeping- it's just concerning.
Luckily, the fathers emerge from the elevator. Maybe they could shed some light on this situation.
"How's it going?" Pepper asked, unable to hide the stress in her voice. The kids stayed silent still, but paid extra close attention.
"Honestly?" Tony seemed to be as stressed as her, if not more. "We don't know- don't panic! He's- he's going to survive, at least."
"What's that supposed to mean?" His wife was definitely starting to panic.
"It's a rather sensitive topic that I rather not talk about while the kids are here." He tried to appease her, "Oh gosh, not like death sensitive. The kid's going to be fine . Bruce has it handled.."
Tony wasn't giving Pepper much to work with. "I need to call his guardian, and that's all I have to work with? Jesus." She couldn't help but rub her temple as she dialed the number given to her.
"Tell his mom he was a hero and all medical expenses will be paid." Tony offered, but it didn’t ease his wife’s problems.
“No mom. Just… a family friend.” Her voice was oddly soft, as she turned away and started talking on the phone. Those caught everyone on the floor off guard. While Pepper stepped out of the room to talk to Peter’s guardian, leaving the rest with just more information to process.
Morgan tugged at his father's pants. "Daddy… Did mommy just say that Peter didn't have a mom?"
And gosh what was Tony going to say to that? That was a whole different can of beans. "Let me get back to you on that, sweetie. More importantly," he turned to his daughter and put on a stern face. “You never explained yourselves. What were you doing outside of the penthouse? How do you even know that kid?”
And again, the children clam up. It was starting to get frustrating, but that was no time to lose his wits. Instead, Tony takes a deep breath and digs for the answers for himself.
"FRIDAY- who is the kid?"
Panic crosses the faces of the children. They had forgotten about FRIDAY.
"Peter Parker. 15 years old-" Tony winced at the mention of age, "a freshman in MiddleTown High School and Technology. Recent record updates state that he is legally under the care of his only living relative, May Parker. However she is currently- confined in Queens Public Hospital. As per Mrs. Stark's conversation with his teacher, he is currently staying with a family friend."
The man wasn't prepared for the tragedy that is this kid's life. He swears his chest felt so tight, he might be on the verge of a heart attack.
"Thanks girl. Do you have any idea how Peter got... involved with the kids?"
Friday didn't hesitate to start. "The kids have mentioned-"
"NO! FRIDAY STOP!" But Morgan was quick to interrupt her. "That's not fair Daddy!"
"Oh I think we're past fair, Morgan." His voice was even, and strict. "I'm sure you kids understand the weight of what just transpired today, I'm sure you know how dangerous it could have been. You would have been safer if you stayed in the penthouse like we told you to. But you all snuck out and meet up with... with whatever Peter is to you. We just need to understand how this happened."
And that really had all the children clamming up with tears starting to fall from each of their eyes.
Lila tried to wipe away the tears from her eyes, "We didn't know this would happen. We just- we just-"
"... we just wanted to see our friend again." Cassie finished for her, sobbing outright.
It was heartbreaking that something so innocent took a turn for the worse. "If he was just a 'friend' then why was it so hard for you all to answer us earlier?" Scott asked, gently.
"He is just a friend!" Cooper tried to argue. "We just- we didn't want us or Peter to get in trouble."
It made sense. Again, it was innocent enough . But there was still one thing bugging them- like the missing piece of a puzzle to make sense of it all. "How did you all meet Peter then exactly?" Clint drilled. “You kids may be close, but the only place you all spend time together is in the tower. And this Peter kid definitely hasn’t been in the tower before.”
That made all the children tense up. "T-that's..." Lila mumbles, her voice getting weaker. She turned to her brother for some aide, but all he could do was press his lips into a thin line.
"I'm sorry Daddy but... we promised not to tell." It was Morgan who answered, no shame in her voice, just a little sadness.
And what was Tony going to do about that? He can't just let bygones be bygones because their kids promised. Peter may have saved them, but he needs to know about him if he's going to spend time with their kids.
"And this is why I need to ask Friday." Tony admonished.
"But daddy-!"
"No need for that, Mr. Stark."
The adults jump and quickly turn around. Leaning on the door pane of their living room was Peter Parker. He looked a little worse for wear, but he still wore a soft, sheepish smile on his face. If one looked closed enough, they’d see tired lines creasing the side of his eyes as well.
"Peter!" His presence however was enough to lift the kids' mood up, and actually make them forget that they were being properly lectured and interrogated at the moment. They just ran past the adults, and went barrelling towards the teen, catching him in a group hug.
"W-woah. Ow. Ow." Peter exclaimed, but it was followed by a fit of strained chuckles. “Careful. I just woke up from an operation, guys. Dr. Banner will be super mad if my stitches pop open.”
The kids comically jumped away.
“Dude. Are you okay? What are you even doing up?” Cooper asked, his voice sounds joking, but it was to blanket the concern and relief he felt.
“Contrary to popular belief, not all teens like staying in bed.” The brunet huffed.
“But injured people need to stay in bed! That’s what Daddy said!” Cassie exclaimed. Morgan nodded supportively next to her.
“Well… that is true. But I mean I can stand and walk so I see no problem with it.” He affirms sheepishly, even awkwardly scratching his cheek.
The adults in the room were left completely speechless at the scene that they were watching. They were… acting normally. Now that there was no danger- it was easy to see how close their kids were with the teen. The conversation flowed normally. They were comfortable. They almost felt bad for being suspicious of him.
“I’m surprised Dr. Banner even allowed you to get up.” Lila commented.
Then it was as if a pin dropped. All eyes were on the teen who was most definitely not supposed to be up.
“I believe,” FRIDAY broke the silence, “Mr. Parker is trying to sneak out.”
“FRIDAY!” Peter admonished. “You’re such a tattletale.”
“And you were going to let him just leave?” Tony asked his AI confused. This kid was even close to his AI now too?
“Dr. Banner’s recent updates on the database entries have revealed that Peter already has full permission to leave the tower anytime with no surveillance required. Only logs of his exit are required.”
“ Excuse me?!” The genius was flabbergasted. Meanwhile Peter was hit with some form of realization, “That’s why I could leave from this place so easily.”
“Hold on, hold on. This isn’t making any sense. ” Clint exclaimed, “You’re telling me this kid’s been in the database since forever? And we don’t know him?”
“For exactly 1 year and 8 months to be exact,” FRIDAY corrected.
“W-What?” Scott was sure he was getting a headache from all this information he didn’t know what to do with.
Tony was sure all the pieces were there already. He just couldn’t see the whole picture because he’s just so shocked by it all. This would be so much easier if FRIDAY also just answered him straight. “Kid, Peter, just- spare us the headache and explain everything. Our kids won’t say a word about you, FRIDAY knows you, and you have special permissions in my tower, yet I don’t even know who you are. Just who are you?”
Peter’s smile faltered, and hesitation bloomed on his face. It was another tense moment in the penthouse, and honestly the brunet looked like he was contemplating running away instead of answering.
It was Morgan’s hands grabbing onto his that made him stay. She said, “Peter… I know you told me you wanted to keep it a secret. But… can’t they be in on it too?”
Cassie nodded and grabbed his other hand, “Yeah. Although, I don’t think adults are good at keeping secrets.”
“Hey now…” Scott almost sounded like he was pouting.
“Well, we were kept secret in an isolated farm.” Lila bumped shoulders with Peter. “That counts for something, right?”
“Plus, if we let them in on it, you can hang out with us here in the tower, and we wouldn’t need to sneak around anymore.” Cooperchuckled, and the rest chorused with an enthusiastic “Yeah!”
Peter didn’t look all that sold, but he sighed and settled for a resigned smile. “Well you guys do have a point. Plus… Dr. Banner is going to have to tell them anyway. I think you guys deserve to spill it first since you’ve all kept it really well for me.”
“We really can?” Morgan’s eyes practically sparkled.
Peter just chuckled and gave her a gentle pat on the head. “Yeah. I trust you guys. And well…” He then looked at the heroes with them in the room, “... I guess I’ve always trusted the Avengers too. I was just too afraid to tell them.”
Peter took a deep breath and smiled gently. “So have at it.” He encouraged, “Would you guys officially introduce me to your dads?”
The kids nodded enthusiastically. Lila, Morgan and Cassie ran to their fathers and pulled them towards Peter, while Cooper helped their injured friend meet them halfway.
“Okay okay, so!” Cassie went first. “Daddy, this is Peter! I met him in an alleyway!”
“Excuse me?” Scott basically choked. Peter let out a laugh, “You guys are introducing me that way?”
Lila giggled as well, “It’s true though! We also met Peter in an alleyway!”
“Next to a cafe.” Cooper added.
“Wait- hold on-” Slowly the pieces were coming together as Clint muttered. Scott’s and Tony’s eyes widen as well.
The billionaire looks to her daughter for confirmation, and she gives one of those strained smiles, as if remembering a memory that both hurt her and brought her joy. She says, “And I met Peter in an abandoned warehouse.”
“ Dads - meet our friend, Spider-man!”
And all the pieces fall into place as Peter placed a hand on his chest and greeted, “Nice to officially meet all of you.”
There was a beat of silence that came after, but it wasn’t as long as before. First that came was disbelief, and then relief that their kids weren’t hanging out with a creep, then a sense of dread because why is someone as young as Peter outside fighting crime -
Tony wanted to say so many things. Like make him stop, lecture him about the dangers of the hero scene- but also, he wanted to ask him how it all worked, how his mutations functioned, or how he made his web shooters.
They’ve always wanted to bring Spider-man closer to their team, but they had always tried to respect his boundaries, his privacy- because they thought he was an adult. But to heck with that now, because Spider-man is someone they should’ve been protecting since the beginning. .
It may be a little late to start now, but you know what they say. It’s better late than never.
“Kid…” It was Tony who broke the silence, hoping to convey all the things in his mind, but he was quickly interrupted by a disheveled Bruce Banner.
“Peter! There you are! What in the world are you doing up and about? I told you to stay in bed for at least the remainder of the day!”
The brunet teen cursed under his breath, “Right, I forgot, I was supposed to be sneaking out.” He then faced Bruce to appease him. “Dr. Banner please, I feel fine already! I heal fast, remember? I don’t need to stay in the medbay all day.”
“I’ll be the judge of that after I check you over. Back to the medbay with you.” Bruce walked towards him and gently ushered him out of the room, completely unaware of what just transpired before.
“Wait wait- hold on-” Scott had called out to them, and that at least stopped the two from leaving.
“Spider-man, no, Peter- thank you so much for saving my daughter again.” The ant themed hero said with such emotion.
“Yeah kid. That’s the second time. Sorry if my brats keep getting in your hair.” Clint added, as he ruffled Lila’s and Cooper’s hair.
Peter wasn’t expecting their gratitude, but it made him smile nonetheless. “It’s my job, sirs. You don’t need to thank me for this.”
Tony would like to argue that he deserved all the thanks in the world. Tony would argue that it wasn’t his job. Tony would just want to keep him safe. But for now, thanks is good enough, and a promise.
“Everyone in this room would like to differ, Underoos. Other than that, we have so much more to talk about.” The genius said, “But… for now, focus on listening to the Doctor, yeah?”
“And… good job, and thank you for protecting our kids.”
And no, Tony isn’t arrogant enough to think that maybe Peter’s smile softens the most when he thanked him. Definitely not.