Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

His eyes stared unseeingly at the words on the screen, mind unable to process them. He was lost in his head, thoughts jumping around aggressively and yet with no distinct path. His fingers hovered vacantly over the keyboard, unmoving. His ears couldn’t decipher the white noise around him, his heart beating in his chest all he could hear.

A hand on his shoulder startled him from his stupor. He blinked rapidly, his eyes burning from the prolonged staring. He turned his head and realised that his mentor, one Tony Stark, was staring with only concern down at the young boy.

Peter sighed, looking away and twitching the fingers in his lap, “sorry, didn’t mean to space out.”

Tony’s frown deepened, slotting himself onto the open bench space so he could stare at the kid properly, evaluating the situation, “you want to talk?”

The kid shook his head once, paused, then sighed, “it’s… silly. Stupid even.”

Tony was quiet for a moment, watching once more, then he raised himself and gave a pat to Peter’s shoulder gently, “alright, kiddo. You need to talk, I’m all ears, but how about we get some work done? Might distract you?”

Peter smiled, fingers brushing over the keyboard. Tony wasn’t the best with talking about feelings, they both knew that. Since the boy had started to come over to the Tower, once a week initially and now three times, they’d steadily grown closer. Slowly, but surely, they’d become something more than just Iron Man and his prodigy Spider Man.

“Flash just… said some things at school today,” he finally said, after half an hour of semi productive work had gone by. Tony lifted his head and raised an eyebrow, though waited for Peter to continue.

“About my mum.”

Tony narrowed his eyes slightly, putting his tools down for the moment, “what did you say back?”

Peter looked down, down at the web shooters he’d been trying to improve, fingers curling around a tool, “I walked away.”

There was a small smile that graced Tony’s lips, before he sighed, taking the three steps towards the young boy, “sometimes that’s the hardest thing to do.”

Peter knew Tony wanted nothing more than to go down to the school and have words with the principle, and with Flash. But Peter had made it clear he had it handled. And… just because he said he did, it didn’t mean he didn’t take Tony’s advice. The man had made him promise he would tell him if Flash said or did something. It was the only way Peter could agree to let Tony back down, to accept he couldn’t just argue with the school.

He wasn’t Peter’s dad, not technically.

“Why don’t we wrap up, then go watch a movie?”

Peter glanced down at his watch, a fancy, personalised model Tony had made for him not long after he’d started visiting. He frowned, realising the time. He was running late.

“I can’t, I have to be on time tonight.”

Tony shrugged, “your loss.”

Peter rolled his eyes, knowing his mentor meant nothing by his words. It wasn’t often that Peter turned down an invitation to simply hang out, such offers gaining in frequency. They were some of the best evenings too, watching a movie on a big screen in the penthouse of one of the coolest buildings in New York.

As he moved to pack away his things, he got a notification on his phone that made his heart sink. He clenched his fists, punching the metal desk angrily. Tony looked up at the sound, eyes widened at the sudden bang.

“What’d the table do to you, kid?”

Peter winced, shaking his hand (it hadn’t hurt), “I ah, I can fix it?”

Tony shook his head, making his way over, “not even dented. What happened?”

Peter wanted to throw his phone away, but instead, he sighed, “I was supposed to be having dinner with dad tonight. He just cancelled. Again.”

Tony blinked. It wasn’t often that Peter talked about his parents. He didn’t like to talk about them, really. Tony knew his mum was dead, but he didn’t know she’d also abandoned the baby with his dad when he’d been no older than two weeks. He didn’t talk about his dad because… his dad – whilst not ashamed – didn’t seem to want to be his dad. He was present, he didn’t abandon him, but he wasn’t around. Tony knew he existed, but not who it was – Peter didn’t want him to know, what might he think?

He grew up with his Aunt May and Uncle Ben. Not even relatives of his dad, but rather, his mum’s sister. It was entirely too complicated, and Peter just wished he could have one evening with his dad that wasn’t rescheduled, cancelled, a work dinner, or… ruined by distractions. He sighed.

“Then that’s his loss.”

Peter felt the ghost of a smile across his lips. He wished it felt like that for him. He just… he was a kid. He wanted his dad to want to be around. He simply wanted a dinner, once a month – if he was lucky, maybe even twice. He wanted to be able to visit him if he’d had a bad day.

He felt like he was closer to Tony then his own dad, and that… was ok. It was. Because his dad was a busy man (so was Tony). His dad was important (so was Tony). Peter could compare his dad to Tony Stark for multiple reasons.

The biggest difference was Tony actually seemed to care when Peter was around. Tony cared about Peter being bullied, he cared what grades he got, whether he was eating enough. He cared and he wasn’t Peter’s dad – the man who was supposed to care but didn’t.

It might be too harsh. His dad was busy. He knew that. Busy, important and powerful. He was and always had been. But… he was his son. That should hold for something.

“Does the offer still stand?” his voice was little over a whisper, though Tony heard it easily. He wrapped an arm gently around Peter’s shoulders and pulled him slowly towards the elevator.

“Text your aunt, hey?”

Peter did, mentioning he may very well stay the night – not uncommon, he even had his own room and his best friend thought it was the best thing since sliced bread. May responded moments later and accepted his words, though he could tell she was angry. It wasn’t directed at him and Peter expected she would be having strong words with his father.

“Ok, Star Wars or Indiana Jones?”

One couldn’t expect that, even if told otherwise, Spider Man would abandon a fight that was happening outside his favourite deli. It would be wrong to sit it out. Spider Man had heard about the fight whilst he’d been readying to leave school and promptly left his friend to gather his things instead.

Iron Man was on the scene, fighting – was that a green blob? Slime? Spider Man was unsure what the gelatinous concoction was, but it seemed to be coming from a weaponry device fixed to a very much human figure’s wrist.

Doctor Stephen Strange was also on the scene. He was actively creating portals that sent the blobs – who knew where. Spider Man narrowly avoided one such portal, rolling dramatically to the side as he avoided a blob as well.

Iron Man was the first to notice him, connecting through his comms easily enough, “kid, what are you doing here?”

“Delmar’s, Mr Stark.”

There was a groan, but Iron Man said nothing further in complaint. It would simply be fruitless for anyone to ask for the kid to leave the fight now. The deli was on the line.

“Spider Man, out of the way,” Strange called, the portal opening once again beside the young spider. He darted to the side and swung himself in the direction of the one creating the blobs. It would do no good to vanish the existing ones when more were still being produced.

Tony’s voice rang through the comms, “kid, he’s got a forcefield. Friday’s busy hacking it, we have to bide our time.”

Which, really, would have been nice to know before he’d bounced straight into it and been electrocuted.

He was thrown back into the building behind, bricks crumpling slightly from the force. He groaned, falling back to his feet, and checking his body for injuries. Karen helpfully supplied him with an image that announced he had only suffered a mild electrical current. Still not great, but no broken bones were a bonus.

It took another few minutes, during which time Spider Man found himself shoved through a portal and deposited on a tower several streets over and had had to make his way back to find the battle almost won. He grunted, swinging himself back in.

With everything out of the way, the villain preparing himself for a long stint in jail, the three heroes converged slowly. Strange narrowed his eyes at Spider Man and the kid bowed his head. This… wasn’t ideal. The sorcerer wasn’t a fan of the young spider, and he knew that. Quite well.

“You didn’t get the hint.”

Spider Man squared his shoulders, but Iron Man raised a hand, “we’re in his turf.”

“He’s just a kid, Tony.”

“And I’m well aware of that.” More than most, Peter thought idly. Tony was the only hero who knew who was behind the mask.

Strange narrowed his eyes, turning to the young spider, “keep to the little league, kid. You’re not ready for this. You just get in the way.”

He vanished before Spider Man could say anything to his defence. His heart sank.

Iron Man lifted from the ground beside him, “you did good, kid. Keep out of trouble.”

That was enough to make him smile, but it didn’t lift the growing pit in his belly. He sighed once his mentor had left, flinging himself to the top of the building. Why was it so easy for the sorcerer to hate him?

Peter blinked at the text he’d received, an amused smile spreading across his lips. Whilst he was disappointed at the words, he found he didn’t mind so much.

‘Got a date tonight kiddo, we have to reschedule.’

Tony had been dating someone secretly for a couple months now. Peter didn’t know who, and he didn’t know if it was serious, but he knew enough to be happy for Tony. It hadn’t really cut into his lab time either, but if it made Tony happy, it was ok.

It might be the perfect opportunity to pop in and say hello to his dad. He hadn’t seen him for a couple weeks now, their only correspondence having been a few scattered text messages. Don’t mistake him, he loved his dad, it was why it hurt to have so much distance between them.

Initially, the man had been busy with his work as a doctor. The top neurosurgeon in the country, he had crazy hours and an even crazier lifestyle. May and Ben had been happy to take their nephew in, though it was under the condition Peter’s dad was around enough to take him when he could.

Now, his dad was no longer a doctor. It left them with even less time together. His dad was important, more so than he ever was as a doctor. He was saving far more lives, creating a safer place for people to live and it meant Peter scarcely saw his dad.

It hurt more that he understood. He was Spider Man, saving people would always come first. It was the priority, and he knew that. He did. He just wished he would occasionally be a priority for his dad. Just once. Tony never made it seem like an effort and he was just as important. He had a company, he was Iron Man. Maybe he needed to stop comparing his dad with Tony Stark.

Maybe it was just him.

He shook his head, blinking rapidly and staring up at the daunting building. His dad’s place of work – doubled as his place of residence. He refused to let Peter so much as stay here. He took a deep breath, hand hovering over the door handle.

It opened on its own and Peter wasn’t sure he appreciated it. Would he have preferred it was locked? He wasn’t sure. He took a careful step inside, spotting several people milling about the place. He made his way slowly to the staircase, holding to the balustrade as he stepped up.

He found his dad soon after, using his enhanced senses to locate his unique signature. His dad, the sorcerer supreme, was talking on the phone with someone. His cloak was draped over his shoulders dramatically. He looked every bit the powerful sorcerer he now was.

Peter knocked hesitantly, more unsure. He couldn’t decide if he regretted this decision. Why had he chosen to go? There was a reason his dad hadn’t been around, he was busy. He could be doing important lifesaving business and Peter had just interrupted!

Stephen turned his head, eyes widening in recognition of the young boy standing by the door. Peter waved cautiously, shrinking back behind the door. This had been a mistake. He shouldn’t – he shouldn’t be here. Stephen was his dad, but he’d made it clear he wasn’t a priority. Why would he ever think he’d make time simply because he’d shown up?

Spider Man would’ve elicited more of a reaction from the man. Peter had something to prove with his alter ego. He had to prove to his dad he could be more than a small town hero. Tony, whilst realistic and protective, he knew the kid had potential. Stephen only seemed content to berate the hero. His son.

“I’ll see you later.”

Peter’s eyes widened as his dad hung up the phone, taking a step towards his son. Peter didn’t move, though he did straighten, meeting his dad’s eyes nervously.

“Peter?”

“Ah, yeah, I – I was walking by and thought I’d stop by.”

Not the whole truth. He was a kid. It was within his rights to want to visit his dad. Right?

Stephen hummed softly, then closed the gap between them. The hug was brief, but it was welcomed. Peter wrapped his arms tightly around his dad’s middle, feeling the cloak drape itself over him in its own form of hug.

“It’s good to see you, Peter. I am sorry about our dinner last week.”

He sounded sincere. He always did, and Peter always believed him. He was the Sorcerer Supreme. It was a big deal. Peter understood. He always did.

“I was thinking… maybe we could do something tonight? I don’t have much homework.”

Stephen pursed his lips and Peter sighed, already prepared for the rejection. The sorcerer noticed and laid a gentle hand on his son’s shoulder, “I’m sorry, Peter. I have something on tonight.”

He wanted to protest. He wanted to say change plans, hang out with me, but he didn’t. He couldn’t.

“But I have about half an hour, why don’t you tell me how school was?”

Peter felt a half smile grace his lips. It was more than he was usually given. He’d take it.

It wasn’t long before he was leaping into all the details of a recent school project that him and Ned were buried in. He was careful to avoid subjects that regarded: Tony Stark. Flash Thompson. Spider Man.

He didn’t need his dad finding out about any of them. Tony would lead to figuring out Spider Man – the kid he thought was useless. He’d… well, Peter didn’t know what his dad would think of him if he found out the truth. He knew that if he found out about Flash, he’d think his son weak. No son of Doctor Stephen Strange was going to be weak enough to be bullied.

Stephen stood up as he glanced at his clock and Peter’s heart sank. His time was up then.

“How about we go for dinner tomorrow night?”

Peter didn’t want to get his hopes up.

Too late.

“That sounds great, dad.”

Chapter Text

They didn’t get to go out for dinner the next night. A villain was rampaging through Queens and Peter had taken off to fight it the moment he’d heard about it. From his window. Because the fight was happening on his street.

Spider Man was thrown into the fight. It wasn’t equal, and it certainly wasn’t going his way. He was losing to a figure who could grow rocks from his body and hurl them.

It wasn’t long before two more figures were joining the fray. Iron Man had been called; Karen had alerted him, the traitorous AI. The Sorcerer Supreme had also appeared. Spider Man almost lost his balance from the balustrade he’d been precariously balanced on when he saw his dad.

He leapt back into the fight, covering for Iron Man as directed.

They won not long after, the three working in somewhat of a team. Spider Man had sustained a bruised rib, of that he could feel. The shortness of breath was uncomfortable, but he would heal. Unfortunately, he knew Iron Man would also be aware of the injury. It was in his suits programming to report such.

Before the trio parted ways (and Peter returned to his own home, two buildings away), the young spider watched a somewhat odd interaction. Tony walked over to Stephen; a bravado Peter had witnessed only on televised interviews. His face plate was down, and Peter could see the smile.

There was something about the smile on Stephen’s face that made Peter want to cringe. He felt like he was invading something, and it was wrong. Why was it wrong? They were all heroes there; Peter wasn’t the odd one out.

“Tony,” Stephen said, stopping just in front of the shorter, armour-plated figure.

“Stephen.”

Peter floundered at the tension between the two. He couldn’t work it out. He didn’t want to piece it together. Tony was dating someone. He knew that. But there was chemistry between these two for whatever reason. That was his dad. No one wanted to watch their dad with someone. Parents weren’t allowed to have romance; did he know nothing? This was wrong on so many levels.

“Spider Man!” he blurted out, unable to control his own tongue. His cheeks flushed vibrantly as the attention turned to him.

Tony was laughing quietly, “that’s you. How’s the ribs?”

Peter turned away, wincing slightly at the motion.

Stephen narrowed his eyes, “this is why you shouldn’t be fighting the big league, kid. You’ll just get hurt.”

“I can take care of myself,” he shot back.

Tony looked at the sorcerer with something akin to an argument on his face, saying, “don’t be too hard on the boy. He’s just starting out.”

“I forget you have a soft spot for him.”

Tony shrugged, a movement that seemed unnatural with the amount of metal encasing his body. He looked over at Peter and smiled softly, “you would too if you actually bothered to get to know him. He’s the best of us.”

The compliment made Peter’s chest soar. It didn’t matter that his dad was there, slandering him – this was Tony Stark saying it. He was proud of the young spider. His chest flooded with warmth at the words. He wished it had come from his dad, sure, but Tony was almost just as close in his heart. There was a special spot reserved for Tony.

“Maybe someday.”

Peter would take it.

They all looked around the street, thankfully hadn’t been decimated during the fight. Peter glanced back at his own building, tuning his ears to listen to his aunt, singing in the kitchen. Singing, because she knew Peter would be listening for her voice. Singing even though she was awful at it. She did it for Peter. He smiled to himself.

It was past dinner time now. Past the point where Stephen might still say he would meet Peter. He knew the chances had died. It wasn’t so bad though, not this time. He was tired too. He wanted to simply curl up in his bed and eat dinner then fall asleep.

Stephen looked in the direction of Peter’s apartment and he froze. The man then turned to Tony, “I’ll catch you round then.”

“Sounds good.”

Peter fumbled with his web shooters as his dad portalled himself away. He had an inkling of where he’d gone and that wasn’t good. It went against their routine. Their little dance. This wasn’t good.

He snuck into his bedroom, hearing his aunt talking to his dad in the living room. With a speed he didn’t know he possessed, he chucked his suit under his bed and walked out of his room, trying to act inconspicuous in his pjs.

Stephen raised an eyebrow.

“Dad?”

“Hey, Peter. Sorry, about dinner. I was a bit tied up, but I wanted to make sure you were ok.”

He nodded slowly, warmth flooding his chest. His dad so rarely asked if he was ok following an attack. It was actually one of the best things he’d done in a long while.

“Peter was about to eat dinner, actually, if you wanted to eat with him? I’m sure there’s enough.” May said, darting back into the kitchen. She gave Peter a look as she went, narrowing her eyes and tilting her head in his dad’s direction. Peter sighed, then took a seat at the dinner table.

He was careful to conceal his wince as his bruised ribs tugged painfully at the motion. He would need to be careful not to reveal himself to his dad – the doctor. The man who had plenty of years’ experience in the general surgeries and would without a doubt recognise what his son was concealing if he wasn’t careful.

May returned with two bowls full of take-out soup. Peter wanted nothing more than to scoff his face, but he knew his dad might judge him for such an act. Instead, he raised the spoon and began to consume at a regular human rate.

“Sorry, this isn’t quite the dinner I was thinking,” Stephen said, consuming his own bowl of food.

Peter shrugged, glancing over at his aunt who’d taken a seat on the couch beside them, “it’s fine, dad. You were busy fighting, saving the city.”

“I’m sorry I don’t get to spend more time with you, Peter.”

“I get it, dad.” He wished he didn’t, but he did. He wanted to be selfish, but he could never be. Spider Man was a good person. He saved lives, and that meant letting his dad save them too.

Stephen smiled softly, a sad, knowing smile. “It’s not ok. I know that. You’re my son.”

“You’re a superhero, dad. Who else gets to say they have a superhero for a dad?”

There was a pause. Everyone presents knew Peter hadn’t told anyone. No one knew Peter was Stephen’s son. When he’d been a doctor, it hadn’t mattered, Peter had a dad who was absent, he lived with his aunt. Once he’d become a sorcerer, it had been a matter of life and death to keep the son a secret. To keep him safe.

It meant Peter was a secret, it meant Stephen had an excuse not to see his son now.

“Thank you, Peter.”

There was something to be said about the way he spoke to his son. Peter noticed. Of course he had. The man never told him he loved him. Never called him anything but Peter. He’d long since accepted it, but sometimes… he wanted to be told. He wanted the validation that his dad loved him. He doubted it enough on his own.

May made a noise from the couch, something akin to a sigh. The heroes both looked up as she stood, bending over the table, and staring at her nephew apologetically.

“I’m sorry, Pete, I’ve got to leave this weekend.”

Peter blinked. It had always been a possibility; they’d discussed it previously. She had a work commitment they weren’t sure she would be invited to, a short weekend conference. It would have meant Peter would need somewhere to stay though. He was planning on asking Tony, they both had been. But that would be awkward to say in front of his dad.

“What about Peter?” Stephen asked, standing up to match May. He towered over her, but it didn’t seem overwhelming.

May hesitated.

“I’ll just stay with Ned, Aunt May.”

They both knew his dad wouldn’t offer.

“Thanks, Pete. Sorry, you know I wouldn’t have gone if it wasn’t important.”

Peter waved a hand, “it’s fine, he won’t mind. Hopefully.”

She narrowed her eyes, “I’m going to ask him now, ok?”

It was better than Peter asking him. Peter couldn’t ask for help; he was allergic to it. One of the reasons his suit had so many ways to contact Tony was because he just couldn’t on his own. He needed the AI system to help.

“Could you not take him with you?” Stephen asked.

Peter blinked, surprised by the question, “I have school. And it’s not like…” like they could afford to have two people stay in another city, to transport them both. Sure, Stephen paid for Peter to live, but… well. May was terrible at admitting how much help they needed too.

There was still no offer to stay with his dad.

“He’s said yes, Pete. He’ll pick you up after school, ok? I’ll pick you up on Monday.”

“I could pick him up on Monday,” Stephen’s voice startled the two, his offer even more so.

“It’s ok, dad,” Peter said quickly, not wanting his dad to pick him up from Ned’s and to realise he wasn’t there. He also sort of figured his dad would forget. “I could come to you instead? From school?”

Stephen smiled softly, “I could use a set of hands around the sanctum.”

“Great, that’s sorted, I’m going to bed. You two be nice.”

Peter rolled his eyes, hugging his aunt as she left the father and son to their own devices.

“I’m going to go also, Peter. It was good to see you.”

The kid hugged his dad as tightly as he could, unsure how long he’d get this time. He wanted more, but too soon, his father pulled away. They were gone a moment later and he sighed, preparing himself for bed. At least he had a weekend at the Tower to look forwards to.

Happy picked up the young teen from school. He stared blankly at the road, but Peter knew the man wasn’t annoyed by the constant rambling coming from his lips. He had grown to accept the ramblings, to accept Peter would talk an ear off. It was when the boy was silent that they should be concerned.

“You don’t have to pick me up on Monday, Happy, I’m going to dad’s.”

Happy paused for a moment, glancing in his rear view at the boy in his backseat. “Your dad?”

It was likely the first time Peter had mentioned it. He was always so careful not to talk about his dad. It was just a habit now. He trusted Happy, of course he did. It just never seemed particularly relevant.

“Yeah, he’s usually really busy and I hardly see him, but I am going to go see him on Monday. I can make my own way.”

Happy was even more confused now, “kid, who is your dad?”

He paused, unsure how to respond, “oh, you wouldn’t know him, Mr Happy,” he hadn’t answered the question, they both knew it.

“Aren’t you talking about Tony?”

Peter’s eyes widened and he coughed, “Mr Stark? No! I mean, no. He’s not – no, my dad is – not Mr Stark.”

“He sure acts like it around you.”

Peter could feel the heat in his cheeks. He knew what Happy meant. Had known it. Had felt it. Tony meant a lot to him, more then he was maybe prepared for.

Thankfully, they arrived at the Tower and Peter was saved the awkward conversation.

Tony was in the kitchen when the boy arrived on the penthouse level, pausing when he saw his mentor moving with kitchen appliances. It was such an uncommon occurrence.

“Hey, kiddo. How was school?” Tony hadn’t even turned, still busy with whatever he was baking. It smelled sweet, maybe cookies? Even with enhanced senses, it was hard to determine what it was.

“It was fine, I guess.”

Tony turned, raising an eyebrow expectantly.

Peter sighed, “I guess Flash might have told me I was a loser… a couple of times.”

Tony sighed, putting his utensils down and walking over to the kid, “I wish you’d let me do something about it.”

“I can handle it.”

“You’re a kid, Peter. You shouldn’t have to. Spider Man or not, you are fourteen. You are allowed to ask for help. And I’m offering. I don’t do that for just anyone. I certainly don’t let just any random kid share my penthouse and my food, or choose dodgy films on a Friday night.”

Peter smiled, “I know, Mr Stark. I appreciate it, I do. But I want to do this on my own.”

“I respect that, I guess. Unless it gets worse. And you’ll tell me.”

Peter rolled his eyes.

They settled onto the couch after Tony had served up the afternoon tea – some form of biscuit that hadn’t really worked but it was tasty and that’s what mattered. There was a program on the screen, but both occupants of the couch were too busy on their devices. Peter had plenty of homework to get through and Tony had a business he needed to attempt to run. Sometimes.

“I’m going out tomorrow night, Underoos. Rhodey’s going to come round though, k?”

Peter grinned, “when do I get to meet your date?”

Tony ruffled the kid’s hair, making him grimace and rush to fix it, “when I’m good and ready, don’t rush me.”

“I have to make sure they’re good for you, Mr Stark! Not just anyone is allowed to date you.”

“And when the time comes, I’ll take your opinion very seriously, kiddo.”

Peter smiled. He couldn’t help it. It was like living some sort of dream, one he never wanted to wake from. Sure, it wasn’t perfect – he was bullied, he had to protect the city, he was largely poor and his dad was largely absent. But he had this. He had Tony Stark, multi billionaire, respecting the opinion of a kid. It was nothing he could have ever imagined on his own.

“Ok, what’s for dinner tonight?”

“Something that I don’t have to cook.”

Chapter Text

“What’s your opinion on children?”

Tony blinked at the obscure question. He hadn’t been expecting it, and certainly not when he had a mouthful of delicious pasta that had come from Italy. It was most excellent to date someone who could create portals to just about everywhere. Made mealtimes that much more exciting when the cuisine was so authentic.  

“I mean, they’re fine?” he replied, swallowing his mouthful cautiously and not bothering to take another one. He had a feeling this topic was about to continue. His partner had that look about him.

Stephen was quiet for a moment. Tony narrowed his eyes, scrutinising this beautiful man before him. The man he’d been lucky enough to call his partner for three months now. They’d been dancing around in secret, something Tony wasn’t used to, but he loved it. He loved Stephen. It wasn’t a familiar feeling, but he wanted it to be. For Stephen.

“Do you want kids?”

Very real, very quick. Tony’s mind presented him with an image of a young spider, back at his own Tower, hopefully fast asleep with Rhodey sleeping in the guest room opposite.

“I mean, I’m not opposed to the idea.”

Stephen said nothing.

Tony frowned, narrowing his eyes at the fidgeting sorcerer beside him. There was something about his posture, about the pointed question. A lightbulb struck him and he asked, “do you have a kid?”

There was nothing, then finally, Stephen gave a weak nod, “a son.”

Tony relaxed slowly. That wasn’t so bad. He may not have been expecting it from Stephen Strange, but that was ok. He didn't exactly scream father - but neither did Tony, and now look at him.

“Do I get to meet him?”

Stephen hesitated once more, this time something akin to shame flooding his features, “I – I’m not sure that’s such a great idea. We’re not that close.”

Tony heard the regret in his words.

“He’s your son, I’m sure he understands you need to protect the city.”

“He does, he’s great, he lives with his aunt and… I wish I had more time to be with him, but I’m also… scared.”

“Don’t want to mess up?” Tony guessed.

Stephen nodded once, thumb twirling over his glass.

Tony took his hand gently into his own, conscious of the scars that littered them, painful as they sometimes were, “I’m sure you’re a great dad. But if you don’t want me to meet him, I won’t push. I’m scared too, you know? This is all new to me. And being a parent, that’s scary too.”

Stephen watched his partner for a moment, “you are very protective of Spider Man.”

Tony smiled, the familiar warmth he was now associating with the love he felt for the young teenager spreading through his chest, “he’s a very special young man.”

Who he probably wouldn’t be introducing to Stephen any time soon. Peter was under the impression that Stephen disliked Spider Man. Unfortunately, an accurate assumption. It didn’t make Tony particularly keen to introduce the two.

“Perhaps someday,” Stephen relented. That was more then Tony could have hoped for really.

“Perhaps someday I’ll meet your son.”

Stephen hummed.

Peter was having an awful day. Flash had pushed him into a puddle ‘accidently’ in the morning. He’d gone through first period completely soaked, muddy and cold. He was a spider in more ways than just strength and senses – he couldn’t thermoregulate correctly and he was cold.

His lunch fell in the mud after he’d been jostled by a group of passer byes. It wasn’t their fault, and they had apologised, but he was hungry. Spider genetics once again – his metabolism meant he was almost constantly hungry. It wasn’t usually a problem, May had the house stocked – using all the money they received from Stephen to buy groceries for the kid.

He’d almost failed a test by nearly falling asleep during it. He’d had a late patrol the night before, he’d been heading home when a robbery had made him turn back around. What should have been a simple, routine fight, had taken far longer and he’d arrived home hours later.

His homework had gone missing, and he had a feeling it was his own fault. He’d been losing things plenty lately, leaving it at Tony’s place or in an alley somewhere. He had a feeling he’d left it at Tony’s this time.

The detention he’d served had been worsened by Flash’s laughter, his slander, when he’d seen Peter enter the detention room.

Finally, with school over, he’d been able to make his way home. The train had been late, but he’d made it home on the sardine like transport. He had lost his keys again, but he managed to get through the fire escape (being Spider Man had its perks).

Once home, he dropped onto his bed. He was muddy, he was smelly, and he ached, but he was home. He sighed, pulling out his phone. He would be having dinner with his father soon. He’d been looking forwards to it all day. It had been the only thing that kept him going.

There was a text from his dad that made his heart stop.

His day just got worse.

He threw his phone against the wall, hearing the glass shatter and not even caring. He didn’t want anything to do with it. Of course, his dad had cancelled. Why would he expect anything different? Why did he ever expect his dad would show up? When did he ever follow through?

Abruptly, he’d had enough.

Spider Man clambered through the window, abandoning his phone. He needed to leave.

The evening had been going rather well, Tony thought to himself. He’d made dinner, a rarity, and Stephen had enjoyed it (another rarity). The two were seated on the couch, curled up together as some movie played in the background. They were only half watching, merely enjoying the perfect company.

Tony’s phone rang in his pocket, and he frowned, spell broken. Stephen raised an eyebrow, but Tony needed to answer this. If his phone rang – a personal number, he so rarely gave out – he needed to at least check who it was from.

His frown deepened when he saw the caller ID.

“Is he ok?” There was no point for pleasantries.

“He’s not with you?”

“Would I be asking if he was?”

“Damn it, Tony, I came home – he was supposed to be having dinner with his dad tonight, but his room looks a mess, and he smashed his phone and I’d hoped he made his way to you!”

“Calm down, just breath. I’ll find him, ok? If he’s wearing the suit, I’ll be able to locate him.”

May took a deep breath, “just, find him, Tony? If his dad bailed on him again… well, I’m really not sure he’s got much forgiving left in him.”

From what Tony had heard about Peter’s dad, he could understand. Tony himself had had a terrible father. In some ways, he’d been great. In some ways. But not many. Mostly, he’d been arrogant, rude, mean, loud and a general man Tony didn’t want to remember. Peter had a dad he clearly loved, but who was also absent. Tony didn’t need to know the details. He knew enough to know the kid deserved the world.

Stephen was watching him closely as he hung up. Tony paid him no mind, instead standing – after placing a short kiss to his partner’s lips – then pulling up the holographic system. He zeroed in on the location data for the Spider Man suit and grit his teeth when he realised the kid had disabled it again.

“This kid, I swear,” he muttered, swiping through to the security footage around the kid’s place. He had his AI follow the kid, showing him footage of the kid leaving New York. He’d crossed the bridge.

Damn it.

“Tony?”

The voice startled him. It shouldn’t have. He snapped his head up, glancing at his partner. The worry remained, the tightness in his chest growing. Peter could be anywhere. He could be in trouble and Tony wouldn’t know. When he got the kid back, he was going to put so many systems in the suit Ned would never be able to tamper with and he would have to deal with it.

“He hasn't returned home yet.”

“Spider Man? He’s an adult, Tony, they're allowed to do that.”

Tony’s eyes met Stephen’s and he sighed. Peter would hate him for this. But… perhaps the sorcerer might be able to find the kid. Perhaps they’d have a better chance if they had someone with magic on their side.

“He’s not.”

Stephen only stared.

Tony sighed, looking at the holograms around the room, “he’s a kid. An actual kid. And his aunt said he wasn’t home when she returned. Broke his phone, so we can’t call him.”

“He lives with his aunt?”

“Yeah, I mean. Don’t know what his family situation is, but I know he doesn’t live with his dad.”

A strange look crossed his partner’s face.

The systems blanked out and Spider Man’s image faded. He’d entered a black spot. Tony clenched his fists angrily, glaring at the screens before him. “Damn it, Pete!”

There was a hand on his shoulder and Stephen spun him around so fast Tony almost fell over. “Pete?”

Tony cursed.

He’d revealed Spider Man’s identity.

Stephen was angry though, a look that surprised the billionaire. It didn’t seem to be directed at Tony, who’d just revealed confidential information about a kid he cared about, but he did seem angry.

“Is Peter Parker Spider Man?”

Peter walked through the park he’d found himself in. His suit was tucked safely into his bag, out of reach. He had calmed down now, enough to realise he’d been a fool. It wouldn’t change anything. It would serve only to make his aunt worry. And she’d likely contact Tony, who was in the middle of a date.

And Tony would likely drop the date in a heartbeat if it meant finding Peter. Which meant Peter had interrupted the date.

He sighed, kicking at a loose stone in the park. The darkness was a blanket for his feelings. It felt right. He had no idea where he was, no way of calling anyone and he was lost. He wanted his dad, he wanted his aunt and he wanted Tony.

A park bench came into view, and he slunk down into it, head in his hands. His senses were dialled right up, keeping a close guard on anything around. No one was. He was alone. He was alone.

Chapter Text

He wasn’t aware of how much time was passing, except it was still night. It was cold. It had started to rain and he was miserable. He was scared. Lonely. He missed his dad. He just wanted to be wanted by his dad, was that too much to ask? All his life, he’d wanted only to impress the man. He’d always only wanted to be someone who his dad could be proud to call his son.

He'd failed.

So much so that he’d never even been able to take his dad’s surname. He’d taken his mothers, the only thing she’d made him take before giving him up. His dad hadn’t wanted him enough to take the name from him.

He startled when his senses alerted him to the portal opening. He sat upright on the bench, frozen in place as his dad stepped out, an expression of pure anger written all over his face. Peter saw Tony behind, worry written all over his features. He relaxed slightly upon seeing the teenager, but he was also actively trying to restrain Stephen. He appeared to be failing.

Peter tumbled from the chair and took a step back in alarm. He’d never been on the receiving end of the anger. It was terrifying.

“Home. Now.”                                           

The kid took a cautious step towards the portal, eyes watching his two parental figures warily. Tony seemed concerned, but it was seemingly aimed at Stephen and not at Peter. He was also relieved and Peter had himself to blame for that. He’d caused the man worry.

Stephen only appeared angry though. Which meant he had to know about Spider Man. Why else would he show up here, unless finding out his son was the hero he despised?

He stepped through the portal and back into the Tower. The Tower. What were they even doing here? Why had Tony called the sorcerer (for Peter knew May enough to know she'd have called Tony regarding the missing nephew, certainly not the actual father, which bode the question: Why was Stephen here?)?

Or – were the looks Peter had seen between them been more than that? Were they – were they together? If that were the case… Tony had had dates on nights when Peter was supposed to be seeing his dad. He’d been blowing Peter off for Tony.

He would give his dad the benefit of the doubt. He wouldn’t do that to Peter, would he? Value his partner over his son… he would totally. Peter’s chest constricted. He found his breath shortening and he collapsed onto the nearest couch, wanting desperately to avoid any confrontation.

“What were you thinking?”

Peter flinched.

“Spider Man? You’re not even fifteen, Peter!”

He couldn’t bear looking at his father. He looked down at his muddy hands. His eyes were weak with tears, chest tight as his breaths became shorter and more difficult to achieve.

Tony seemed to notice, for he jumped between the two and said, "give him a chance to explain."

Stephen only narrowed his eyes, "you knew, this whole time?" 

"I was just trying to protect him." 

Stephen glared at Tony, but ultimately chose to ignore him, rounding back on the kid.

“Damn it, Peter, what were you thinking?”

It was the repetition that did it for him. It was the blaming. He’d finally, finally had enough.

It all came out at once.

“What was I thinking? When was the last time you finished a long day and thought gee, I wonder what my son is up to, I hope he wasn’t too stressed at school, I hope he survived that awful bully of his? When was the last time you thought to spontaneously take me away for a weekend, or hell, let me stay at your place? When was the last time you asked May if she was ok with keeping me? Or – or – or you know what? When was the last time you cared that I’m your son? You blew me off for dates. I could accept it, you know, you’re a doctor, you’re saving the world. You’re the sorcerer supreme, saving the world. I can accept that. I can. But I am your son, dad. I’m your son and you don’t – you don’t even care.”

The tears that followed were unwelcome. The tirade simmered down, and the hollowness crept back in. He wanted to leave. He wanted to disappear. He wanted to fling himself from the building without his web shooters.

Anything to avoid seeing the looks on the two people he loved as parents faces. Tony looked stricken. But his dad looked like he’d been punched.

Peter sucked in a breath, attempting to remedy the fracture he’d created, “I’m sorry, dad, I didn’t – I didn’t mean it.”

Stephen shook his head quickly, then took a step closer to the kid. Peter flinched, noticeably enough for his parents to see. “No, you have nothing to be sorry for, Peter. You’re the kid, and I’m the parent. I’m sorry.”

Peter blinked, tears halting momentarily, “you…”

After another moment without speaking, of which the only sounds were Peter's quiet, shaky breaths, his dad moved to sit beside him on the couch. The move was stiff, hesitant, as though he wasn't sure it was what Peter would accept. Another moment later, he reached out to wrap an arm around the kid, Peter leaning into the unexpected gesture. He sighed, looking as pained as Peter felt, “I want you to know that I am so proud of you, I always have been. And I know that doesn't make up for anything, but you are my son, Peter, I love you. I wish it had never been a question for you. I wish I could take back what I did, wish I could go back in time and make it right, but I can't. I relied on your forgiving nature, and I'm sorry.”

Peter stared at his dad silently, absorbing the words. He loved him. He’d never said the words and they made his chest feel warm. The cold was starting to fade, and in its place was a beautiful warmth he wished would never disappear.

Tony took a cautious step forward, “I’m also sorry, Underoos. If I’d known the dates were interrupting your time with your dad…”

“It’s not your fault, Tony. I should have been big enough of a person to say no, to prioritise my kid. And that’s on me."

Tony shook his head, eyes downcast, "I knew how it made Peter feel and I was a part of it. I should have said something sooner."

Stephen winced, then sighed, "you can't take this on yourself, Tony. Not this time. You were - you were actually present, I can see that," he paused for a second, taking a deep breath and looking up at Tony, "thank you."

"It's really not a problem, he's a great kid." 

Peter felt the warmth return, felt the burst of joy at hearing Tony speak so highly of him. Since he'd met him, he'd had something to prove. He didn't feel he did anymore, not for Tony. It was a good feeling.

"I'm glad you have each other," he said, softly. He'd seen how happy Tony had been over the few months he'd been dating. He'd seen how excited he was, how relaxed and Peter loved it. He wished he'd found out sooner who he'd been with, but Tony had been in his happy little bubble and Peter couldn't deny him of such. Tony would have been the one to say something, it was obvious his dad wouldn't have. Things might not have escalated the way they had, but perhaps they would have been worse. 

Stephen absorbed the words spoken, wincing slightly and looking entirely too guilty. To Peter, seeing the expression, it showed the man cared. It meant he was at least being honest, for perhaps the first time in his life. Perhaps he did mean it. Maybe they could fix this.

“I really am sorry, Peter. Can we – do you think we could try again?”

Peter smiled, throwing his arms around his dads shoulders, hugging him close, “so long as you are honest with me when you cancel.”

Stephen flinched, “Peter…”

“You will cancel. You can’t promise you won’t. You will, and I will, because I’m Spider Man and we have responsibilities.”

The sorcerer narrowed his eyes, but Peter cut him off, “and you can’t change that, dad. I’m Spider Man. That’s who I am.”

“And you’re damn good at it too, kiddo,” Tony said proudly. Peter smiled.

Stephen sighed, “ok. I guess I can accept that. But what if you get injured?”

“I have so many safety installations in his suit, and, thanks to this stint, I’m going to add so many more. Good luck, Ted.”

Peter rolled his eyes, “it’s Ned.”

“You’ve met Ned?”

Tony shrugged, “he came around to the tower once or twice. Pete stays here quite a bit whenever May’s out of town or working crazy hours.”

There was another pause in conversation as Stephen frowned, wincing and moving his eyes down, “thank you, Tony. For looking after my son.”

Tony shrugged him off, “he’s a good kid, Steph. The best. It’s been a genuine pleasure.”

Stephen smiled, “yeah, he’s the best, isn’t he?”

Peter decided he was actually starting to feel awkward. He'd gone his whole life without hearing praise from his dad, this was almost too much. What's more was that Peter could see the adoring looks the adults were giving each other and honestly, that was too weird.

“You two are gross. No kid wants to see their parents make googly eyes; can’t you do that elsewhere?”

Tony laughed, “why don’t you go to your room then, we can discuss this more in the morning.”

Peter hesitated, unwilling to release his dad. This could all be some lucid dream. He’d gotten him, in some way, to admit he needed to be better. This could all fade. He needed this to be real. He craved it.

Stephen stood up, puling Peter with him, “come on, I’ll tuck you in. and I’ll be here when you wake up.”

“I think that’s actually gross again.”

Tony laughed. “don’t think about it, kiddo.”

("Just say it, Tony." 

The billionaire pursed his lips, staring directly at his partner. He had so much he wanted to say. So much. In the moment of anger, he wasn't sure how much would be too much.

"I deserve it."

Tony scowled, "you deserve more then that, I'll tell you what - you certainly don't deserve the worlds most forgiving and kind kid. How could you?" 

Stephen looked away, shaky hands curling behind his back, "I know."

"You're going to work for his forgiveness. For his trust."

"I know."

"And you're going to work for mine, because God Damn it Stephen, that kid wormed his way through my defenses and I refuse to let you hurt him again."

Stephen sighed, then nodded, "I know." 

"Good. For what it's worth, I know you can be a good dad, what he needs. For whatever reason, he loves you." 

"I know. He loves you too."

Tony smiled softly, then said with a voice little above a whisper, "I know.")

Waking up in the Tower wasn’t an uncommon occurrence. Waking up to the smell of a cooked breakfast, usually pancakes, wasn’t uncommon either.

Waking up to find his dad in the kitchen with Tony – that was uncommon.

Peter blinked the sleep from his eyes and wracked his brain to remember how this had happened. It came back to him in a wave, rolling through him as warmth filled his chest. He’d stayed. He’d stayed. It was perhaps the first promise he’d made Peter he hadn’t broken.

“Morning, Underoos, how many pancakes do you need?”

Peter hopped onto the bar stool beside the island, feet hanging daintily where the chair was too high for him, “ah, maybe, five?”

Tony raised an eyebrow, though said nothing.

Stephen on the other hand didn’t seem to get it, “they’re quite large, can you fit it all in?”

Tony coughed beside his partner, propping an arm over his shoulder, the other waving the spatula, “kid’s got super metabolism, rivals even Cap. And I won’t accept anything less then six for you, squirt.”

Peter felt his cheeks heat, looking down at the bench. He wasn’t sure he needed the reminder that he was enhanced – they hadn’t really talked about the impacts it had on his daily life. If his dad realised how much it impacted him… and how little he’d been able to access an adequate amount of food with May… he wasn’t sure he wanted to talk about that this early in the morning.

Soon enough, they were consuming the pancakes and, true to his word, Peter wolfed down seven pancakes easily. He tried to ignore how his dad was just… watching him. But Tony seemed to be keeping him from saying anything about his eating habbits and Peter appreciated that.

After the plates had been cleared, curtesy of a handy spell, Stephen cleared his throat. Tony made a noise, then convinently remembered he had some washing to do. Everyone knew it was a lie, but it left the father and son alone to talk.

Peter tensed slightly, fixing his shoulders so he was prepared for whatever his dad wanted to say. Historically, this wasn’t a good outcome. ‘You’re going to stay with May’ or ‘I’m going away for a few months, don’t try to call, I’ll be out of range.’

“I’m sorry.”

Everything peter had been expecting wasn’t that.

He waited for his dad to continue, unsure of what to say.

Stephen took a breath, exhaling loudly, “you’re right, Peter. I should have taken the time to be your dad, something I should have started being good at when you were given to me to care for. I’m selfish, and I’m careless, but I shouldn’t have been, because I was also a dad. Your dad. And I’d really like an opportunity to make it up to you.”

Peter could only nod, very slowly.

His dad smiled softly, “and you being Spider Man, that’s – I’m really proud of you, kid. So incredibly proud. You’re young, too young, but you do well out there. You help people. I won’t stop you, but I will request some ground rules.”

Peter scoffed, “I doubt you could ever beat the ones May and Mr Stark have in place.”

Stephen raised an eyebrow, an amused quirk of his lips, “we’ll see about that. And you mentioned something else last night. Something Tony didn’t seem surprised about.”

Peter tilted his head, confused.

“You mentioned  a bully.”

The kid swallowed and brought a hand to scratch at the back of his neck, “that’s – that was just the heat of the moment.”

“It wasn’t. Peter, are you being bullied? Why didn’t you tell me?”

He said nothing, unsure of what was appropriate to respond. He hadn’t felt like his father would care. He didn’t want to seem weak. He wanted to prove he could handle it. He didn’t want his dad to see him as anything less then perfect. Take your pick.

“My fault again, I guess. Sorry, Peter. I know sorry isn’t enough, I need to prove it with actions. And I will. And I’m going to be having words with your school about people bullying my son.”

That got Peter’s attention. He shook his head quickly, “don’t, dad, it’s under control. Sort of. Yesterday was just a bad day and well, I’m sorry I lost my temper.”

“I’m glad you did. If you hadn’t, we’d still be in an endless cycle.”

They were both silent for a moment, Peter wondering awkwardly what was next. It didn’t feel like this was over. Accepting someone had done wrong was one thing, but fixing it was another. Peter didn’t trust his dad yet. He wasn’t sure how long that would take to build either. He just… he’d spent his whole life breaking promises. That couldn’t be fixed overnight. But it did seem as though he was willing to try, and that counted for something, right?

Stephen broke the moment by pulling the kid into a tight hug. Peter smiled, wrapping his arms tightly around his dad, savouring the moment. He relaxed into the hug, one that didn’t feel like it had a time limit on it. It was a hug that promised more. It was exactly what he wanted.

“I also wanted to ask you something else, but I think Tony might want to come back in.”

“And that’s my cue.”

Peter laughed once as Tony stepped from around a corner, tablet in hand. Whilst he’d clearly never left the room – which Peter should have realised, what with his super senses – he’d also not been listening.

Tony sidled up to the pair, still embraced, and joined in. Peter felt the warmth from the hug melt whatever ice he’d been holding in his chest, enjoying the hug from the two figures he’d come to love so much. He wasn’t sure if Tony felt the same way, but he had an inkling. And maybe he could even become his step dad…

“We were talking last night, and I think we both decided that it might be better if you stayed here some of the time.”

Peter blinked, absorbing what Tony had just said. His mind drew up blank. The words hadn’t sunk in. He would need them elaborated.

Stephen realised this first, saying, “down the line, there’s a high chance I will move in to the Tower too, to be with both of you. But I thought you might like to come over too. We can hang out more, and Tony can help you.”

Peter frowned, finally letting the words rush over him. his first thoughts were: “what about May?”

“We spoke to her too, kiddo. She’s happy for you to come live with me, but she also said that if history repeats itself, she’s going to kidnap you.” Tony said, rolling his eyes. Peter grinned, knowing May was well capable of following through. They all knew the woman was scary when she needed to be.

Peter smiled softly, glancing up at Tony, “you don’t mind, if I – if I’m here every day?”

“Kid, you could be in the lab every day and I’d have no problem with it. I enjoy your company, I thought that was obvious. Besides, this gives Stephen a reason to visit both of us.”

“Gross,” Peter said, pulling a face.

His parents both laughed.

“You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to, Peter. You’re old enough to decide, and if you want to continue living with May, we’ll accept that, obviously. But, well. We’re your parents. I know I’ve done a crap job of it so far, but I’m going to do better.”

Obviously Peter wanted to live in the Tower. He wanted to live with May, and he didn’t want to hurt her feelings because he loved her, she raised him too. But he also really loved these two heroes in his arms.

“Yeah, I’d really like that.”

Things didn’t change immediately, but they did improve. Peter moved into the Tower, having every second weekend with his aunt. During the week, he would go down to the labs with Tony, would come back up to watch movies or finish his homework. Sometimes his dad would join them. Sometimes he’d appear for dinner, and then other nights he would take Peter out for dinner on their own.

It was obvious he was trying, and it was obvious Peter was thriving. He talked openly to both his parents. He told them both about whatever Flash had said or done, or about the villains he’d been fighting. He was finally allowing himself to not feel guilty about taking his dad’s time.

And he got to live with Tony Stark. It was just all some weird fever dream, some days it didn’t feel real. But then they’d remind him that they were normal people too, by way of being overly affectionate and making Peter flee the room for his innocence.

At the end of it all, Peter got to come home to his parents, the people who loved him. He got to invite his best friend over more, given he was spending more time there. He got to have his cake and eat it too. And eventually, he started to realise he was allowed to be happy too. He could ask his dad to hang out and it was ok.

His dad usually said yes.

Chapter Text

Peter sat on the couch, staring angrily at the coffee table before him. His dad was ranting behind him, something about how Tony and Peter were so incredibly irresponsible, allowing a fourteen-year-old to be Spider Man. Ranting about how incredibly stupid it was of Peter.

And he could only sit there and listen, chewing the inside of his lip whilst his fists clenched painfully. He shouldn’t have to sit there and take it. He shouldn’t be on the receiving end of the tirade. When had his dad ever had the right to tell him off? Not being a present figure did not earn him the right to call him out on something he was damn proud of.

“Enough.”

The silence that echoed through the room from Peter’s voice almost gave him a feeling of smug satisfaction before the rage returned. Stephen turned his full height on his son, but Peter wasn’t having any of it.

“You can’t stand there and yell at me for this. You can’t stand there and yell at me! You have no right to tell me off, no right to stand there and accuse me of being stupid, no right to be disappointed in me. I’m done, dad. I’m done with this. You stand there and judge me, you always have. You know who doesn’t judge me? Aunt May, who you pawned me off to because you didn’t care. So no, you can’t stand here and say you care, can’t stand there, and tell me I can’t be Spider Man because I am, so deal with it.”

More silence followed. Peter caught his breath, the anger dwindling from his chest and he looked away, fists still clenched. He was about four steps away from punching his dad.

“I am still your dad-”

“Then why don’t you ever act like it? Hell, Mr Stark acts like he cares more then you and I’ve barely known him a year!” He took a deep breath, then scowled as something crossed his mind. Something that made him want to punch his dad all over again.

“And I know you blew me off for him.”

Tony looked as though he’d been punched, as though the revelation startled him too. Peter had told Tony when he’d meant to be with his dad, and Tony had also mentioned when he was having a date. The coincidence was too large, and now it was obvious – they were together.

“Kid-”

Peter shot Tony a look, one that shot the apology down where it started, “it’s not your fault, Mr Stark.”

Tony turned a cool gaze on the sorcerer, “you better damn fix this, Strange.”

Stephen winced, moving to take a step forward but Peter’s glare stopped him in motion, “Peter, I am sorry, I know that’s not what you want to hear right now, but I am. Sorry that I never prioritised you. Sorry that you felt you have something to prove.”

“Sorry isn’t good enough dad.”

“I know.”

“I don’t think you do,” Tony’s voice startled them all, wide eyes turning to face the man who’d been through it all. He’d been at Peter’s side, and he’d experienced a similar thing with his own parents. He knew what Peter was going through better then most.

“You can’t stand there and apologise, thinking he’ll forgive you again. He might, because it’s Peter and he’s ridiculously kind-hearted and – and I can’t believe you take that for granted. I watched him on nights you would cancel. I saw what it did to him. No number of apologies is going to fix that, Strange. You don’t deserve this kid right now, not the other way around.”

Peter was surprised when Tony moved over to him, wrapping an arm comfortably over his shoulder. He stared up at the man, the gesture worth more then he could comprehend.

The kid took a deep breath and met his father’s eyes. The man did look guilty. He did look apologetic. He looked hurt, but he looked like he knew that was his own fault. So, he sighed, “you can fix it, dad. I want you to want to fix this, because, regardless of everything, I love you. You’re my dad, that hasn’t changed. I just – I just can’t keep on like this.”

Stephen nodded once, “you’re my son, Peter. I’m going to prove that to you. Someday, perhaps I’ll even be worthy.”

“Why don’t we start with some dinner, I’m sure the spider baby is hungry.”

Peter rolled his eyes, hesitant as he was to remind Stephen of his alter ego but amused by Tony’s timing. He was hungry, that was true. He was also scared. It was all just words. Words meant little when the only action Peter had known was the complete opposite. He had to give him the benefit of the doubt. He had to.

At the end of the day, he still had May and Tony in his corner. That was enough. If his dad shaped up as he said he would, he would be happy too. He couldn’t imagine it though. He couldn’t see it yet. It went against the entirety of his previous notions.

“Food sounds good,” he said softly, following Tony to the kitchen area.

(It took a long while before Peter could trust his dad. A long while. There were more fights, more tears, more arguments, and more pain. Stephen had to cancel on Peter, but he did understand the urgency of being Sorcerer Supreme. Peter cancelled for Spider Man events.

Throughout everything, Peter grew closer with Tony, moving into the tower so he would be closer with his parents, even if Stephen wasn’t constantly there. He had two dads now. The hurt never faded, it remained, and it was something Stephen could never strip. It was something that would stay with the boy, for that was what he was – a boy who’d been hurt by his father.

He didn’t care about being worthy of Stephen’s love anymore. He didn’t need the validation. He was worthy and he knew that now, knew it wasn’t his fault. It never was.

Everything changed again when Thanos snapped. Tony stopped at nothing to get his son back.

Peter only had one dad left. Stephen never broke his promise again.)