Chapter Text
Tony followed Steve into the group home. Steve was so excited. He didn’t have the heart to tell him that he had never really felt the need to have kids.
His own dad hadn’t been the best example. He thought he and Steve would be content on their own but slowly Steve had worn him down. He really wanted to be a dad. Tony had finally agreed because he loved Steve. He could learn to love one kid, right? Or maybe he’d just hide away in the lab from it and let Steve do the parenting.
“Tony? You said you were cool with this but you look like you want to bolt.” Steve took his hand, “I don’t want to force you into this if you don’t want it.”
Tony forced a smile onto his face, “No, I’m just nervous.”
Steve’s face filled with understanding, “You’re nothing like your dad.”
Tony squeezed his husband’s hand, “Thanks.”
~
Steve had spent time talking to all of the boys in the group home. He had known he wanted to take in a teenager. No one wanted teenagers and that just seemed so depressing. All kids deserved a loving home. If he thought he could convince Tony to take in more than one he would but Tony wasn’t even sure he was fit to parent one.
Steve kept going back to the same quiet boy in the corner. He had tried to hold a conversation but he mostly gave one word answers. The social worker told him he had just lost his parents and he had no family left. Steve didn’t suppose he would want to talk to perspective parents after that either.
“I want to take that kid home.” Steve gestured to Peter.
“We can’t buy him.” Tony rolled his eyes, “They aren’t for sale.”
Steve hit his shoulder playfully, “I know that. I’d like to talk with the social worker about a trial basis fostering to see if it’s a good fit.”
“The quiet one?” Tony figured that might work. If the kid was quiet then he’d hardly notice him at home, “I think that’s a good idea.”
Steve grinned, “I’ll go find the social worker.”
~
It took a few days for the social worker to arrange a temporary placement. But Steve was pacing the penthouse waiting for Peter to be dropped off.
Tony glanced over from the couch, “You think you want to chill out. He isn’t coming until after school.”
“I’m just worried. What if he doesn’t like the room I set up for him?” Steve turned around to look at his husband.
“Then we redo it with things he does like.” Tony raised an eyebrow, “I don’t know if you remember but we’re rich.”
“Tony, I want him to feel welcome.” Steve went and sat down next to him, “He’s had a rough go of it. I can’t imagine what he’s feeling.”
Tony pulled Steve close, “Listen, you’re going to be a great dad. You put together an awesome room. Just breathe. You’re going to be a natural.”
~
The social worked finally requested entry four hours later. The elevator opened and the social worker came out first followed by Peter who was wearing jeans that looked like they were a few inches too short, a sweatshirt that had a hole in it, and carrying a backpack that looked ready to break under the weight of his books or belongings.
“Peter. You remember I said you were going to be staying with Mr. Stark and Mr. Rogers-Stark?”
Peter nodded silently.
“Do you need anything from me before I go? I’ve already done a home assessment a couple of times.”
Peter shrugged.
“Okay. Well I’ll be checking in and you know how to reach me.”
Soon the social worker was gone and they were left with a real life child.
Peter didn’t move from where he stood.
“Hi Peter.” Steve greeted him, “How about I show you to your room.”
Peter nodded. He followed Steve to the room.
Steve opened the door, “If you don’t like anything we can change it. There is a bathroom across the hall—Sorry it’s not connected. I wanted you to be close to our room just in case you need us. We’re the second door on the right. Bathroom is the first.”
“Thank you.” Peter said so softly Steve barely heard him.
“Of course. Why don’t you get settled? We’ll eat in about an hour.”
Peter nodded.
~
“How is he?” Tony asked when Steve came back.
“Quiet.”
“Maybe he’s just getting settled.” Tony offered.
“Maybe.” Steve went to the kitchen, “Let’s go make dinner. I want him to have a home cooked meal. You could make your mom’s pasta.”
“I was hoping to go down to the lab.” Tony stood up stretching.
“It’s Peter’s first night here.”
“You’re right. What was I thinking?” Tony headed to the kitchen. So much for hiding in the lab.
~
Peter wandered out of his room. This place was huge. He was living with Tony Stark. There was a part of him that wanted to geek out but then grief would hit him and it was like nothing mattered anymore. But he was living here and he needed to do his part. The group home wasn’t awful but he got bullied a lot and he didn’t want to go back if he didn’t have to. Don’t get attached. You lose everything you love.” Peter shook it off.
“Um. Do you need help?” He asked the men in the kitchen quietly.
“Peter!” Steve greeted him, “If you’d like you can help us make the salad. Everything is on the counter there.”
Peter went to start chopping vegetables. He could do this. He could be helpful, kind, and normal. He didn’t have to be a grieving teenager who was ready to fall apart. No one wanted a teenager that was falling apart. In face no one wanted a teenager at all. He was still confused why the Rogers-Starks did.
“So you go to Midtown School of Science and Technology?” Steve prompted Peter.
“I do.” He answered while peeling a carrot before cutting it.
“How do you like it?”
“I love it. My best friend Ned goes there. He is actually flabbergasted I’m here.” Peter said while working on the salad.
Steve smiled pleased he had gotten the boy to open up a bit more, “Oh well I’m sure he could come over sometime. We’d love to meet him.”
“You don’t have to.” Peter told him, “I know even one teenager is a lot.”
“Peter, you live here. We want you to feel like it’s your space including leaving things places and having friends over.”
Peter was glancing at Tony as Steve was talking. He got the vibe that Tony didn’t feel the same way. Interesting, so it was Steve that wanted kids, “I’ll see. He has a busy schedule. Thank you though.”
Tony looked relieved.
~
Peter was laying alone in the big room in his big bed. He didn’t know what to do with how quiet it was. He was used to his apartment in Queens with his parents and then after the accident the group home which was constantly noisy with one thing or another even after lights out.
Steve had introduced him to Friday earlier. He knew he could ask the AI to play some music or something but he didn’t want to disturb his foster parents if they could hear it from their room—mainly Tony Stark. Peter knew he didn’t want him here. He wanted to make himself as small as possible and hopefully stay here where it felt mostly safe for a bit. At least until he could figure out something on his own.
Steve was walking down the hall. He saw Peter’s door cracked. He opened the door with a light knock, “Hi bud. Can’t sleep?”
“It’s so quiet.” Peter sat up, “And I’m used to noise.”
Steve came into the room and messed with something on the dresser—Suddenly white noise filled the room, “It’s a noise machine. I can’t sleep without one.”
“Mr. Rogers-Stark?”
“Steve.” Steve corrected.
“Do you think we could talk about rules.” Peter admitted, “I’m trying to be good like the social worker told me. She said this is a great opportunity and not to mess it up.”
Steve pointed at the edge of the bed, “May I?”
Peter nodded.
“Tony and I haven’t figured this out 100% either. We’ve never been parents to anyone. I’m sure we need rules but we might have to figure them out together. Tony and I will discuss curfew’s and get back to you but other than that keep your room clean, do your homework and if you need help or you feel in over your head then come to one of us.”
“I can do that.” Peter nodded.
“You think you can sleep now?”
“I’ll try. Goodnight—Steve.” Peter said as Steve turned out the light.
~
Peter woke early and wandered out to the kitchen. Tony was already in there pouring coffee. He paused where he stood hugging himself.
Tony raised an eyebrow, “You can come in the kitchen. You live here.”
“Sorry. I was hungry.” Peter didn’t make any move.
“You’re sorry for being hungry?” Tony took a sip of his coffee.
“For bothering you.” Peter mumbled.
Tony’s face softened a bit. He hadn’t realized Peter was picking up on his energy, “You’re not. Eat whatever you want. Fridge is fully stocked and cereal is in that cabinet by the mixer.”
Peter poured himself a bowl of cereal and milk and sat at the island.
Tony grabbed a banana and threw it at him. The kid caught it easily and he hadn’t even glanced up. Tony frowned, “That’s a neat party trick.”
“Oh, yeah. I just have good reflexes.” Peter shrugged. And I’m Spider-Man
Steve walked out before Tony could question it more, “Morning family!”
“Morning.” Peter and Tony mumbled.
Steve was freshly showered and had already gone for his run that morning. He grabbed an apple to start second breakfast, “Pete, can I call you that?”
Peter tried to hide his smile but he nodded.
“Happy is going to drive you to school but Tony or I will pick you up.”
“3pm sharp.” Tony said.
Peter frowned because he knew that Tony was a genius and as such he didn’t just mess up the time, “3:30.”
“Oh, you didn’t want to ditch out early to go shop for new clothes?” Tony shrugged, “No biggie. We can just take another kid. I think we can still get someone else.”
Tony was teasing but Peter felt his breath catch. They were going to send him back.
Steve saw the shift, “He’s kidding, Peter. We’re not getting another kid.”
Peter nodded.
“How about you go get ready for school?”
Peter walked away without a word, banana abandoned.
Steve turned to his husband once Peter was out of the room, “Really?”
“Sorry. It was a joke. I didn’t know he would react that way.” Tony defended himself.
“He’s lost everyone, Tony. What do you think is going to happen? You have to be careful with you’re teasing.”
“I’ll be more careful.” Tony said it honestly. He didn’t want kids but he knew what it felt like to lose parents. He didn’t want to make that more difficult for the kid.
~
Peter was in class but his brain was a million miles away. Ned had nudged him a couple times to get him to pay attention. He was sure MJ was sketching him. He still felt like he was one wrong move away from losing his current home. No one told you what that felt like in school—Losing everything and nothing feeling permanent.
Peter didn’t realize he was having a panic attack until his teacher was in front of him asking him to breathe. He just shook his head. He couldn’t do what his teacher was asking. He couldn’t breathe.
Ned was suddenly in front of him. He grabbed Peter’s hand, “Eyes on me!”
Peter met his gaze.
“Breathe in for three. I’ll count it out.
Peter took a shaky breath as he started counting.
Ned counting for a while longer until Peter was breathing semi normally. His teacher asked Ned to take Peter to the nurse.
As they walked Peter felt the panic start again but for a different reason. They were going to call his foster parents and then his foster parents were going to send him back to the group home and if there wasn’t a space in the group home then they would send him further away and Peter would never see Ned—
“—Stop that. I can hear your thoughts.” Ned teased.
“They’re going to send me away. I’ll never see you again.”
“They won’t. Iron Man wouldn’t do that!”
“Ned, he doesn’t even want me. It’s Steve who does. He’s just playing along.” Peter stressed.
“You’re not going to lose me.” Ned looked him in the eye as he said this, “I would make my mom drive me to you.”
Peter nodded slowly, “You promise?”
“I pinky swear.” Ned held out his pinky and Peter wrapped his finger around his friend’s.
~
Tony got the call that Peter wasn’t feeling well and needed a ride. He wanted to send Steve but he knew Steve was in a training and didn’t have his phone on him. He sighed and made his way out of the lab to go get the kid.
He remembered promising not to make dumb jokes to Steve but he used humor as a way of coping so he was going to have to try and put that on the back burner.
Once he got to the school and made his way into the nurses office he found Peter sitting on the bed just staring out the window, “Hey kid, ready to go?”
The nurse smiled, “I just need you to sign a form for me quick to check him out unless you think Peter can return to class?”
Tony glanced at the nurse. He could tell she thought Peter should go back to class. He was more concerned with how the kid felt about it, “What do you think Peter? You okay to go back to class or you want to come home?”
Peter shrugged. He didn’t want to upset anyone.
“I know you’re not a big talker but I need a verbal response on that one.” Tony said trying to keep his voice gentle.
Peter still startled, “Home.”
“Home it is.” Tony signed the form.
“Could I talk to you alone?” The nurse asked.
Tony held out his keys to Peter, “Black Audi in the front. I’ll be out in a minute.”
Peter took the keys walking out.
“Can I help you?”
The nurse cleared her throat, “I’m worried that Peter faked his panic attack.”
“Faked what?” Tony pulled his sunglasses down, “He had a panic attack?”
“Supposedly but now he’s been fine. I think he just wants to leave school and you’re allowing him to do so.” The nurse explained.
“You called me. You asked me to come pick the kid up. Now you’re mad that I’m doing that? Also I doubt anyone would fake a panic attack. They are awful.” Tony pushed his sunglasses back up, “So with all due respect—I’ll be taking our kid home. Thank you.” Our kid. Our kid. Our kid.
~
Tony got into the car and Peter was laying his head against the window, “Tough day?”
Peter shrugged again.
“You don’t have to talk about it but I’m here if you need me.” Tony told him before turning on some music softly and starting his drive.
“Are you going to take me back to the group home?” Peter whispered.
“What? Is this about earlier? No. You’re not something that can just be returned, Peter.” Tony told him without looking over because he had to keep his eyes on the road.
“Because I made you come pick me up.” Peter finally clarified.
“No. People get sick, Pete.”
Peter didn’t say another word the rest of the ride.
By the time they made it up to the tower Peter went straight to his room closing the door.
Tony sent an SOS to Steve.
~
Steve got home a couple hours later. He went straight to Peter’s room knocking on the door. He heard a quiet come in. He opened the door. Peter was sitting on the floor knees against his chest and head against his knees, “Hi bubba.”
Steve didn’t know where the nickname had come from but it just felt right. He went and sat next to him, “I heard you had a really tough day. Maybe a new home and school was a bit much today, huh? What do you say we all stay home tomorrow?”
Peter didn’t move and didn’t make a sound.
“I can tell you’re trying to make yourself as small and unseen as possible. You don’t have to do that. I know the social worker freaked you out about this great opportunity and how you could lose it. I want you here, Pete. You wouldn’t be here otherwise. Help me help you, please.”
Peter glanced over finally, “I didn’t fake my panic attack. The nurse thought I did.”
Steve nodded, “I’m sorry she thought that. Sometimes people don’t understand mental health and they say things they shouldn’t.”
Peter nodded, “I’m starving. I didn’t eat lunch at school and I’ve been in here all day.”
“Why didn’t you go eat?” Steve frowned, “We have plenty of food.”
“I thought I was in trouble and should stay in my room.”
Steve sighed, “Listen, even if you were in trouble which you are not—Food is not a punishment.
You eat when you’re hungry and add anything to the grocery list you want. Just tell Friday. She puts the weekly order in.”
“I think I’d like to stay home tomorrow then.” Peter finally admitted.
“I’ll make the call.” Steve ruffled Peter’s curls, “Let’s go find food. I’m starving too.”
~
Peter couldn’t sleep. He finally groaned and kicked the covers off of him. He needed to figure out a way to be Spider-Man while living here. He had too much energy and he wasn’t using it,
Peter went out to the kitchen and grabbed a granola bar. He heard someone coming long before anyone else would because of his super hearing.
Tony came upstairs from the lab, “Don’t you sleep?”
“Do you?” Peter threw back. Don’t rock the boat. What are you doing?
Tony paused for a second. The kid had never been sarcastic. He kind of liked it, “touché.”
Tony leaned against the kitchen counter, “How did you know the nurse thought you were lying?”
Don’t say super hearing. “I was still in the hallway.”
“Spying on our conversation?”
Peter shook his head quickly, “No, I just hadn’t made it very far.”
“It’s okay. I’m messing with you. I don’t think you faked it by the way.” Tony heard Peter’s stomach growl. He grabbed some leftovers from the fridge and started to heat them up, “Serious question. How smart are you? Your school isn’t easy by any means.”
Peter didn’t like to brag. It was rude. His mom had always told him it was okay to be smart and proud of that but you don’t rub it in anyone else’s face, “Everyone at my school is smart.”
Tony knew the kid was trying to be polite. He respected it, “Follow up question—How’d you really catch that banana without looking?”
“I told you. I have good reflexes.” Peter really wanted Tony to drop that.
“Hmm.” Tony pulled the food out of the microwave and scooped some on a plate for Peter, “Tell me about Ted.”
“Ned.” Peter rolled his eyes.
Right. Ned.” Tony saw the kids eyes light up as he started to talk about his best friend. It was clear they were close.
~
“Peter asleep?” Steve rolled over in bed to look at Tony as he climbed into bed.
“I just sent him that way again. I think he got hungry.”
“What did you guys talk about.”
“Ted.”
“Ned.”
“Whatever.”