"Peter! You up, kid?"

Peter's eyes snap open at the sound of Tony's voice.

He's supposed to be getting ready, isn't he?

Crap.

He jumps out of bed and sputters.
"Yeah! Almost- shit- almost ready!"

He stumbles to his closet and grabs the first cheesy science-pun shirt he sees, and grabs his backpack from where it leans against his desk.

Peter stuffs his phone in his bag and starts for the elevator, muttering a quick 'morning.'

"Pete- breakfast."

"Oh yeah, sorry."

His eyes are thoughtful for a moment.

"Did you sleep last night?" "Of course I did. Did you?"

He ignores Peter's diversion, "You look tired kiddo." "I'm not tired. I'm actually...extremely energised."

"Whatever you say Pete. Hey, what do you say we chill out tonight? Pep will be back early and you can go to bed early?"

For a moment, Peter wants to decline. He likes going out as Spider-Man. Though, the past few nights, he's been out right at curfew mark. After that, he does homework the rest of the night. He got maybe 2 hours of sleep last night, but he's not going to tell Tony that.

As tempting as it is to go patrolling instead, he misses being able to just hang out with Pepper and Tony.

"Yeah," he says, " Yeah that sounds good. Not that I need any extra sleep."

"Sure Pete."

Tony pushes a plate of toast across the table, grimacing. "I still don't know how you don't want anything on it."

Peter shoves a piece in his mouth. "Tastes good."

"Yeah but it's so... dry. You want a drink?"

"Ok fine. What do we have?"

"Uh... kaprisuns."

"What am I, 8?"

"Pete, it's the ones you like," he deadpans, "you want one or not?"

"Yes please."

Peter catches the juice and runs out the door.

"Happy's blowing up my phone, I'm gonna be late! Bye, see you later!"

"Bye kid. Have a good day." Tony looks down at Tessa, who watches her boy run out the door. She looks up at him and her tail thumps against the ground. "Guess it's just you and me again Tess."

Her tail wags faster in acknowledgement.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Took you long enough," Happy mutters.

Peter throws his hands up in mock surrender. "Sorry, sorry I woke up late!"

"Well stop waking up late. You do this all the time."

"I was up late doing homework."
"Don't lie, you were out as Spider-Man."

Peter narrows his eyes. "How would you know that?" He may or may not have also taken out a few protocols to not alert Tony when he's in the suit. How long has he been getting away with this? He's been getting away with this the whole two months he's been back at school.

He's honestly pretty proud of himself.

Of course he tells Tony when he goes out for the most part it's just... when he's not supposed to go out it comes in handy. He needs the distraction sometimes.

"I know everything." He adds to the dramatics with jazz hands before turning back to the wheel.

"Tony told you to keep an eye on me, didn't he." "Yep."

Welp, that's apparently a whole other protocol he needs to find and get rid of now.

He throws his head back and groans in exasperation. "Happy!"

"Hey, don't get mad at me, I get paid for this," he defends. "Besides, he's allowed to be worried about you. You look like a raccoon that was just run over by a dump truck."

"I do not..." Hesitating, he mutters, "Have you told him?"

Happy stays quiet for a moment, "No."

"...Thanks."

"You keep it up and I tell him though," he says, making firm eye contact through the mirror. "Take a rest tonight. In fact, take a rest now. We've got a little bit until we get to Midtown."

Peter doesn't need to be told twice.

He takes a quick nap, feeling no different when the man wakes him up again. He hops out of the car, muttering thanks and goes and finds his friends.

"Hey guys."

"Peter, hey." "What's up loser."

Ned turns around from grabbing something from his locker. "Woah. You... look like a vampire."

"Hey." "Peter that's a nice way of putting it. When was the last time you fully slept, man?"

"Last night," he insists.

"You suck at lying, Parker."

The bell rings.
"Let's just go to class."

Walking on their way to first period, Flash passes by avoiding eye contact. He's left Peter alone since May, apparently having some sort of sympathy.

They walk up to the door, revealing Peter's (least favorite) teacher.

Professor Rich never liked him. (A lot of people call him professor Dick because... well, he's a dick. It's also humorous how the name works)

The first day he came back, he made it very obvious he apparently had no form of social media. Peter knows for a fact that Tony sent out an email though... maybe he just didn't believe he could be taken in by someone like Tony Stark.

It wasn't hard to put two and two together though. When Peter returned, he was well aware he still looked like shit. Skinnier, paler, it had been a really rough time grieving May. He still was.

"Mr. Parker. I hope you realise you've missed many assignments. You have a lot of work to do." "Uh- yes sir. Sorry."

"I expect it to be done next class."

The teacher huffs and slaps a packet on his desk.

"Thanks."

MJ and Ned glared at the teacher as the rest of the class slips into an incredibly awkward silence. In that moment, Peter honestly wished the ground would swallow him up.

He doesn't think anyone liked Professor D after that incident. Though, not many people liked him before either.

By lunch, Peter's head is using Ned's arm as a pillow as he munches on a granola bar.

He's so exhausted. Everything around him is blurry and he feels like there's a weight on his eyelids.

He's not in the mood for anything.

Not even Ned's weird questions.

Which really, he was just trying to make conversation so it wasn't really his fault.

"So... how's it been being a Stark?"

The question caught Peter off guard. He hadn't thought of himself as a Stark. He wasn't Tony's actual... His mind hadn't traveled that far yet.
He was still stuck on May's-

"I'm not a Stark," he snapped.

Shit, he didn't mean for it to come out like that. Peter's momentary anger turns to worry and regret because he shouldn't have said that so harsh. Now they're going to leave him. He's going to be alone again-

"I know, it's just... he adopted you. Sure, it's not finished yet but you're gonna be his kid eventually Peter! It's awesome!"

There's no taunting, no negative meaning to Ned's words in the slightest, he's just being the same fanboy he always is but the way Peter's chest tightens and the way he tears up makes it feel like he said something hurtful. He can sense MJ staring at him and then glancing at Ned with her 'shut up' look.

It's awkward for a moment because Peter needs to bite his lip to stop himself from saying anything else but he makes an effort to change the subject.

"Yeah... but uh, you guys should meet Tessa.."

"You should see all the edits of the two pictures the media was provided of her. It's so funny."

Thank Thor for MJ

Peter's able to breathe a little better thinking about his dog and he gasps in delight.

"Lemme see."

He gets through the rest of the day on autopilot, barely writing any notes down.

He gets home to a random lady in the living room, sitting on the couch patiently.

"Uh... hi?"

She smiles at him sweetly. "Ah Peter! I'm so happy to see you." "Um..."

"Pete this is Jess. Your social worker."

Aren't they supposed to... tell you when they're coming..?

"It's an unplanned visit," she explained as if she'd heard his thoughts. "I'm here to make sure you're... safe."

A spark of anger flares in his chest again at the way she eyes Tony. She looks at him like he is the most untrustworthy person on the planet.

"I'm safe," he says, narrowing his eyes.

How dare she look at him like that. Tony and Pepper are all he has. The only people that really understand. The only people that don't treat him different than before. Even though... he is different now.

He feels Tony put a hand on his shoulder, thumb circling it comfortingly. (Because of course Tony can tell when Peter's getting all freaked out)

"Yes, as they said. I've checked around the tower and it looks fine but... could I talk to you in another room?"

Peter looks at Tony and Pepper hesitantly. Pepper smiles at him in encouragement. Tessa is at their feet, head tilted in confusion.

In his room, she starts questioning him. It would honestly feel no different if he was cuffed to a chair and a lamp was lit in his face. He understands she only wanted to help, only wanted to make sure he was safe but he just wasn't in the mood for this today.

To be asked question by question, " Is be providing food? Is he doing experiments around you? Has that... dog bit you? Staffies can be a violent breed. Do you really feel safe around Mr. Stark??'

"Peter you look tired. Are you sure?" Her voice sounded like fake sympathy. He's already told her like 100 goddamn times he's safe.

"I had a lot of homework last night. Tony told me I should go to bed early tonight so..." he he darts his eyes to the door. He knows it's rude. He knows the impatient tone is leaking through his voice. He just wants to lay down and never ever be asked a question ever again.

Despite wanting to walk out, he answers all her questions and it's all fine. She tells Tony and Pepper they're close to being able to finish up the adoption process.

As she's walking out, she turns to Peter with a sarcastic smile. "Good luck being a Stark."

The three of them stand there for a moment before Tony hesitantly opens his mouth. "Was that supposed to mean something..?"

"Tony, honey, I think it was obvious she wasn't a fan."

Tony hums and turns to Peter, staring at him with that soft, concerned look he's wearing all the time.

"Are you ok?" "Yeah, why wouldn't I be," he replied shortly.

He had too much on his mind right now.

"I'm uh- I'm going to go and take a shower."

Tony looks like he doesn't believe him. "...Ok. Pep has to run to her last meeting. It's only an hour. Why don't you just chill out for a while?"

"I will," he huffs, taking a turn towards his room.

Ned's and the social worker's words echo in his head.

'You'll be a Stark eventually Peter.'
'Good luck being a Stark.'

He was- is a Parker.

Just because May was gone... why did that have to change everything? He'd felt better lately- he really did. But he hated this whole "good day, bad day" crap when it came to missing her. He hated it. It was so inconsistent and confusing.

But why did everything keep changing? The whole school treats him differently now and it's as if May never existed and Peter hates it. It's as if May never mattered and he's the luckiest kid in the world being Tony's... not-son.

He can't keep thinking about this. He needs to distract himself. He needs something to do.

His eyes travel over to the suit that lays in the dirty clothes pile on his floor.

He should probably clean that.

He slowly walks over to it, picking up the suit. Peter huffs, angry at himself for having no self control. He said he'd watch a movie with Tony and Pepper tonight- he wants to, he really does but he's going to break if he keeps thinking about this. Tony can't... he can't know this is eating at Peter, he can't upset him like that. Peter can't look that ungrateful. They'll kick him to the curb.

They owe you nothing Peter, the voice in the back of his head hisses.

He shakes the thoughts away and puts the suit on quickly.

Just half an hour. He'll be back before Tony even knows he's gone. He'll even have time to take that shower.

Peter nods to himself and jumps out the window.

He already feels better swinging through the air and he finds trouble easily. Sitting on a tree, he sees a group of men inside a rusted white van. Karen mentioned odd activity going on outside the bank. She does a close up, showing two of them already have ski masks on. One is keeping lookout and one has a cool tech computer, showing 4 cameras of the inside of the bank. Heat signatures show two more in the back of the van.

How cliché.

When they all stepped out, crouched down and prepared to sneak inside, Peter landed in front of them.

"Hey guys!"

One man shrieked and the man next to him elbowed him in the side.

Peter laughed, "I am loving that purple ski mask dude. I didn't even know they had those."

"They were out of the black ones on Amazon!"

The other groans, "Aw man, I told you it would be obvious!"

The man that had been keeping watch pulled a gun out of his jacket.

Ok, he really needs to name these people

He flipped out of the way, attaching himself to the edge of the roof.

They all had coloured masks on (still hilarious) so naming them would be easy.

Unexpectedly, Yellow guy threw a knife at Peter and it stabbed the roof inches away from his head.

Behind the ski mask, his eyes widened as if he didn't know that would happen. Peter shouted and dropped onto his feet in alarm.

"C'mon dude! You don't go for my head!"

Blue aimed a gun at his head.

Totally not fair.

He dodged a few bullets before mid flip, one nicked his calf.

"Fuck!" Out of reflex, he kicked him into the side of the van, making a human-shaped dent in it.

Well that wasn't supposed to happen.

"Sorry!"

He fell into the easy rhythm of fighting and dodging their punches and he could distantly hear the thwip of his webshooter.

Ok so maybe he does this a little too much. He probably shouldn't zone out when being attacked by like four people. It was so easy to though.

As if in slow motion, he watched as Purple pulled another gun out. It looked different than the others. The tech looked... familiar. Light grey and a blue stripe down the side. The blue stripe lights up as he clicks the trigger. Peter's sense sent a shockwave down his spine and he didn't even realise he'd already been hit with something- a needle.

He felt woozy for a moment, stumbling on his feet.

"What... what was that?"

"Nothing you have to worry about Spider-Man."

Peter leaned against the wall. This wasn't too bad. No, this was fine. He could still run away if he felt like it. He just needed a second to collect himself.

He watched as the man that had been on the computer (the one with the normal ski mask on) revealed himself, stepping out of his vehicle and pointed his gun at him. He glanced at blue guy still laying against the large dent and looked back at Peter, eyes narrowed.

Peter took a step back, knees buckling underneath him.

Well this is unexpected.

He didn't exactly think he'd be killed by a bunch of novice criminals in pastel ski masks. He'd hoped it'd be at least a little cooler.

The man started to pull his ski mask up, revealing a wicked grin and stubble when suddenly, a high pitched screech sounded.

"Fuck it's ironman!"

He yanked his mask back down to his neck when a blast sounded. It shook the van with a loud boom.

The eyes beneath it crinkled in delight.
"Bye bye Spider-Man."

Peter furrowed his eyebrows at the man as they all hopped into the van and sped off.

Hadn't he... heard that before?

It was silent as the eyes of the suit stared daggers at him. Peter glanced to the ground.

"Can you walk?"

Good, he seemed calm.

"Uh- yeah..." he stumbled up before falling over. Tony was there to quickly lean over and grab his arm, stabilizing him before he face-planted.

"I guess not," he muttered sarcastically. He quietly orders FRIDAY to call Happy.

"Yeah, Hap? I need you to pick us up. Yeah, yeah I know it's late I owe you one. Thanks."

"Why are you...?"

The faceplate flipped up, revealing the man's pinched expression. It looked like he was trying to remain unexpressive but was too angry to manage.

Oops.

"You just got injected with some unknown liquid. Im not flying and having you puke all over my suit."

Peter swallowed back his anxiety and awkwardly sat on the damp parking lot ground, picking at the rips of his suit until Happy pulled up.

When he did, it was even more awkward in the car. Happy thrummed his fingers against the steering wheel and Tony laid back against his seat, arms crossed.

He could see the gears running in his head, trying to think of what to do. Peter distantly wondered if it was his last night in the tower.

Peter squinted his eyes as another street lamp passed. He felt like every light was brighter than usual, blurring together into a big bright blob. The seats turned red as the car in front of them pressed on their breaks and Peter took the risk of glancing at Tony. The man ran a stressed hand down his face, taking a deep breath.

The drive was only 10 minutes but it felt like an eternity.

When the car finally pulled up, he and Happy made eye contact. He offers a sympathetic half-smile and a quiet 'Bye kid.'

It feels good that at least one person in the car isn't angry at him, though, Peter's sure he'll be mad when he sees the drops of blood staining the floor of his car.

Tony helped him out of the car and into medbay. He barely noticed Tessa sniffing his leg and whining. She snuffled and went to press her nose to the wound but was stopped by Tony's firm, 'Tessa, no.'

She backed off but continued to stare at the two of them worriedly, another high pitched whine sounding in the back of her throat.

Pepper stayed awake to make sure he got home ok, which makes Peter feel even worse. She has to get up early in the morning to catch a flight for some meetings out of state. Before Peter can open his mouth to apologise, she kisses his forehead like May used to and wishes him goodnight.

She kisses Tony's cheek too and his tense form seems to relax slightly, but not much.

It was quiet as his mentor wrapped his leg up.
(He didn't even need it to be wrapped. It'd be fine tomorrow. Though, he doesn't think he wants to start that with Tony)

It was times like this where he missed queens and the way it was never quiet. He could always hear something; cars, people walking down the street, subways... he misses it.

"You missed the movie," he said, voice hollow. He says it so casually, not taking his eyes off Peter's leg.

Ok never mind go back-

"Listen-"

"No you listen," he snaps, "you could've gotten killed tonight. If I didn't know you were up to something- something you've already done before, I wouldn't have known and you'd be dead."

"No I wouldn't! I had it-" "Do not say you had it handled. When I got there, you had something in your system- it looked like some type of tranquilliser by the way, which you're lucky you burned through it so fast with your metabolism- and you had a gun pointed to your head. Is that what you'd describe as a situation that was 'being handled'?"

Peter scowled at Tony as he finger-quoted his words and got off the cot. He started to hobble towards the door.

"I'm going to bed."

Tessa's standing in front of him, looking up at him mournfully as if saying 'Don't leave.'

He goes to shoo her away but is stopped by Tony.

"Oh no you're not- you're staying here Peter! We're not leaving this on the back burner anymore."

Peter throws his head back and groans, turning on his heel to face the man. "You weren't mad last time!"

"Kid, I didn't want to yell at you. I didn't want to get mad- I thought maybe if I left you alone, this would stop. That maybe you just needed some space-"

Peter threw his hands up in exasperation.
"You made Happy keep watch of me!! Is that what you'd call giving me space?" He resists the urge to finger-quote back at Tony but decides he's already in enough trouble.

"I was worried about you Peter! I'm trying- listen- I am trying to do good here. I want you to be happy- and- and healthy but this," he gestures around, "This isn't healthy. We can't do this. You can't go out like that all the time to almost get shot or-or stabbed and I can't just ignore it. I'm sorry I ignored it."

Peter's chest tightens at Tony's raw voice but stands his ground, hands balled into fists at his side.

Tony stares at him silently for a moment, swallowing before he tips his head back and stares at the ceiling, blinking something (tears Peter you did that-) out of his eyes. He laughs humourlessly and pinches the bridge of his nose.

Peter feels bad. He knows he scared him. He knows. But right now, he's angry too.

'I'm sorry Tony,' he doesn't say.

"Pete I get there's a lot going on right now- you deserve so much better than this but think about my perspective for just one second. You could have died tonight," he takes a shaky breath, "You could have died. What would I do with myself if my-!" his voice cracks and he has to look away, blinking rapidly again. He opens his mouth and nothing comes out as if he's trying to choose different words but decides against it.

"What would I do if my kid died tonight? What would I do?"

Peter's eyes fill with tears.
"I don't know," he whispered.

"Exactly. Because I don't know either. So please Pete, please just keep yourself safe- come to me when you're- feeling things. Angry, sad, happy, whatever. I could tell you were on edge today. I could see it. I want to help, I want to listen but... I can't if you don't tell me what's going on. What upsets you. You can't bottle it up like this."

'I don't even know what upsets me,' He thinks, 'I never know what to say.'

Peter sniffs and quickly wipes away a stray tear.

"...Can I go to bed?"

Tony stared at him sadly for a moment before sighing. He wraps his arms around his shoulders and drops his cheek onto Peter's hair.

Peter feels like he's going to break.

"Are you ok?" He asks softly.

"Mhm," he replies, knowing he can't form words right now.

Damn Tony for not wanting them to go to bed unhappy.

He rubs Peter's back.

"I- care about you kid. I really can't- just- please don't do that again. For my health at least. Please."

"I won't," he murmurs into his shoulder.

They go to bed.

Ding.

Unknown: I know something you don't.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I KNOW SOMETHING YOU WILL NEVER KNOW 🕺

Y'all have no idea how excited I was for this chapter

It was just rly fun to write I love angst 💀