Madds

Peter did not want to hear this. he wished that he’d never said anything, that he’d never opened his big fat mouth and asked such a dumb question.

“Of course you can call us your parents.” He opened his eyes, stunned by the words.

“Really?” his whole body was trembling, his heart pounded inside his chest so loud he could hear it echoing in his ears.

“Well duh.” Tony said with a small chuckle and Peter could have collapsed with relief.

“Thank you, honestly this means so much to me and we don’t have to keep pretending after the trip but it just makes asking her a million times easier, so umm, thanks.” He stopped rambling and the both of them were giving him the strangest look.

-

And we don’t have to keep pretending.

The words stung, more than Steve would care to admit. Peter stopped rambling on and stared at them, his eyes wide and fear held within them. Steve forced himself to snap into an easygoing smile, hoping that Tony would know what to say. That he would take the lead.

“Well Pete, best you run along and ask her.” Tony said, Steve hoped his smile looked far less forced than Tony’s did.

“Thanks.” Peter mumbled before he dashed off upstairs, Steve turned to Tony.

“run along and ask her?”

“like you did any better, just sitting there and smiling at him.” Tony rubbed a hand down his face and Steve’s stomach churned.

“do you think we should mention our plans for adoption?” Steve whispered and Tony’s eyes rose upwards to stare at the roof.

“No. not until Rhodey can give us the all clear to ask him, I don’t want to bring anymore disappointment into that boy’s life.” Steve nodded but felt a little dejected. He knew that was the best course of action, but the idea of being able to cheer Peter up was oh so tempting.

“I know, but we could explain…” Steve trailed off at the look on Tony’s face. It would be far more devastating for Peter to get the idea into his head that this could be permanent, only for the courts to decide that it wouldn’t be the best course of action. Steve nodded and looked back down at the ground.

“The second Rhodey clears us, I promise you honey that we will tell him.” Tony took hold of Steve’s hands and squeezed. He was right, Steve knew this, but that didn’t stop the bitter taste of disappointment settling in his mouth.

“okay honey, you’re right.” Steve smiled at his husband and Tony stepped closer, pulling Steve into a tight hug.

“The wait will be worth it.” and finally Steve relaxed, they’d get to keep Peter. Things would work out, it would all be okay.

-

Peter was pacing in his room, his phone in his hand, he just had to call her. But what if she was having dinner? What if she was out with friends? what if he was interrupting something super important? Peter went to swipe out of the phone app but instead hit the call button.

“Fuck!” he hissed as the phone began to ring. It rang five times before she answered.

“Peter?” he put the phone up against his ear, a little breathless and suddenly overcome with nerves.

“Hey MJ, how are you?”

“Uh, I’m good. How are you?” she sounded confused, as she should be. She probably thought he was a freak.

“I’m good. Sorry this call is a bit random, it’s just that I wanted to ask you a question. Of course you can say no, you probably have plans and uh…” he trailed off and scratched the back of his head. This was already going super poorly.

“What was your question?” now she seemed amused, and Peter wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or not.

“Well it’s my dads. They’re renting out this cabin for two weeks, a summer trip and they said I could bring a friend along and I was wondering if you uh, if you’d like to come along?” there it was. Out in the world, sitting there, the question had been asked and his heart was racing.

“Yeah! That would be great! Just send me the dates and I’ll make sure I’m there.” Her voice sounded light, airy, authentic.

“Really?” Peter couldn’t believe it.

“Yeah, I didn’t have any plans anyway and I’d love to meet your family. is it just you and your dads?” she meant it, she wanted to come along. Peter couldn’t believe his luck. How was this happening to him? A family trip and a friend to bring along!

“Uh, I have a little sister too, her name is Morgan.” And he squeezed his eyes shut. I have a little sister. He wished those words were true. Wished that they could be real. That she could really be his, that Tony and Steve could really be his. That Peter could be theirs.

“Oh right, I saw her with you at school one time.” Peter found himself nodding and then remembered she couldn’t see him.

“Yeah, Morgan’s great. I think you’ll love her.” In the background Peter could hear someone calling MJ’s name.

“Well I have to go, but thanks for inviting me Peter, I’m really looking forward to it.” and then she hung up the phone, leaving Peter to his room. He sat down on the bed, stunned by the conversation. By her agreeing to come along, by how easy it was to pretend that he was a part of this family. maybe he could convince the Stark-Rogers family to keep him. Maybe if he proved himself over the summer, maybe they’d want to keep him. Maybe he could stay, maybe he could make this lie the truth and then he wouldn’t have to leave. Because Peter didn’t want to leave. He wanted to stay right here.

-

Tony was desperately trying to keep it all together. He wanted this to work out, but there were so many variables. So much going on all at once. He was desperately trying to keep Steve together, to hold his husbands’ broken pieces so he wouldn’t fall apart. And then there was Peter, who Tony was trying to give his heart to and kept getting rejected, and then there was his baby girl. Morgan who was growing up so fast and had no clue as to just how much they were struggling. Tony could feel the pressure of trying to hold his family together weighing down on his shoulders.

But he wouldn’t let them down. He wouldn’t break and he wouldn’t let anything happen to them. he would get Steve the help he needed and they would adopt Peter and Morgan could remain blissfully oblivious to the heartache around her. Everything would work out if Tony could just hold onto them all for a little longer. This trip would help, would ease the pain and take some of the pressure off of them all.

“Daddy?” it was Morgan’s sweet voice and when Tony turned to face her she had a mischievous look upon her face.

“What’s up princess?” Tony asked and she looked down at her shoes.

“can we get a puppy?” Tony blinked, then chuckled. As if they could fit a dog into the equation right now.

“no sweetheart I’m afraid we can’t.” Tony ruffled the hair atop her head and she frowned up at him.

“why not? I promise I’ll take care of it!” she insisted and Tony could help but chuckle as he squatted down to match her height.

“I know a puppy is really cute, but are you really going to pick up it’s poop?” Tony raised a brow and Morgan nodded enthusiastically.

“I promise I will!” Tony tilted his head.

“Even if it smells?”

“even if it smells!” Tony sighed.

“I’ll think about it, but we wouldn’t be able to get the dog until we got back from our trip, okay honey?” Morgan nodded, a big toothy grin spread across her face.

“thanks daddy!” and then she darted off back upstairs, probably to play with some dolls. Tony walked through the house to the office, where he sat down and opened up his work email account. Despite the fact that it was a Saturday, he had fifty emails to go through.

“the work never ends.” He mumbled to himself but at the top of the emails was one from Mrs White. The subject title being the PTA.

“Ah shit.” Tony grumbled and opened up the email.

-

Steve was busy booking the cabin for their trip when he felt arms wrap around his torso.

“How are you?” tony mumbled against his back and Steve squeezed his eyes shut.

“I’m good, the therapy has been helping.” He admitted and Tony’s hold tightened.

“you promise?” Tony whispered and Steve nodded.

“Are you okay?” he asked, staring straight ahead at his laptop. Steve didn’t dare move a muscle, he didn’t want to scare Tony away.  

“Yeah, I’m just worried about you and Peter.” He admitted and at that Steve turned around, pulled Tony to his chest and held on tight.

“Baby listen to me. I am going to be okay and so will Peter. I am healing alright and we’re going to go on this trip and I don’t want you to worry about a thing.” Tony stared up into Steve’s eyes and Steve’s heart filled.

“I love you Stevie.” Tony whispered and Steve couldn’t stop the grin that spread out across his face.

“I love you more but baby you have to relax. We’re going to be fine. Just think about the vacation with our family and think of all the vacations to come.” And in his arms, Steve felt Tony relax.

“I got an email from the PTA, they really want us to show up to a meeting at the end of the summer.” Tony made puppy eyes and Steve rolled his own eyes.

“Fine you can be on the PTA, but no intentional plotting.” Tony grinned and nodded.

“Thanks Stevie.” Tony leant up on his tip toes and briefly pressed his lips against Steve’s, there for a second and then gone.

“What’s up?” Steve asked, detecting something odd on Tony’s face. Something suspicious.

“Morgan asked me a question.” At this, Steve rose a brow.

“And what did she ask?” Tony’s smile turned bashful, nervous, hopeful.

“She wants us to get a puppy.”

“A puppy?”

“a puppy, even offered to pick up the stinky poop.” Tony was grinning nervously now and Steve shook his head.

“She will not pick up the stinky poop, you won’t even pick up the stinky poop. I’ll have to do it.” Steve pouted and Tony shrugged.

“Would it really be so bad?” Steve sighed and pressed his forehead against Tony’s.

“Yes.”

“But we could just add one more member to our family.” Tony whispered and Steve chuckled.

“We already are honey.” Tony sighed, pouted and then attempted puppy dog eyes on Steve.

“You sure?”

“Yes I’m sure. But maybe in a year or two when Morgan’s a little bit older we can revisit the idea of getting a dog.” Steve kissed Tony’s forehead and his husband sighed ever so dramatically.

“Fine.” Tony grumbled and Steve shook his head.

“How’d she even get the idea of a puppy into her head in the first place?” Steve wondered just as Peter walked into the room. He froze, suddenly looking sheepish and Steve had his answer.

“Oh that was me, sorry I should’ve talked with you both about it. she was telling me about how Penelope has a dog and I asked her if you guys had ever had a dog and she said no you hadn’t so then I asked her if she wanted a dog and she got really excited and i am so so sorry.” Peter was out of breath by the end and Steve couldn’t stop the chuckle that passed his lips.

“Pete, it’s fine. It would be nice to have a dog around but the timing isn’t great with us going away on this trip.” Peter completely relaxed and nodded his head.

“Oh, okay, of course.” But even Peter looked a little deflated.

“Would you like it if we had a dog Petey?” Tony asked and Peter let out a small smile.

“It’s your house and your family but a dog could be uh cute.” He seemed fidgety, and then before either Steve or Tony could reply he left the room.

“Maybe he’d come out of his shell a little more if we got a dog.” Tony said before leaving Steve alone. A feeling of dread arose in his gut as he realised that the three of them were going to team up against him. They wanted a dog, but Steve didn’t want a dog. He’d be the one who would have to look after it, pick up the poop and toilet train and teach it tricks. They didn’t need a dog. He’d just have to remain resilient.

They were not going to get a dog.

To be finally done with school and know that Peter would get to stay with the Stark-Rogers family for the entirety of his summer break brought an inner peace to Peter that he had never experienced before. To know he wouldn’t have to deal with Flash or his idiot friends, to know he didn’t have to slave after Mr and Mrs Thompson, but rather got to play with Morgan and cook with Steve and watch movies with Tony. It all seemed like such a gift. Peter was in his room, fiddling with an old Rubik’s cube Rhodey had given him a million years ago when Tony appeared at his door.

“Pete?” he asked, his voice soft and his hair wet. He must have just had a shower. Peter twisted the old and worn Rubik’s cube twice more before setting it down.

“Hey, Mr Stark-Rogers, what’s up?” Peter asked and bit his lip from the informality. It’s not like that here. Peter reminded himself and Tony seemed to wince a little.

“Alright why don’t we start summer on a fresh page huh? Do you think you could try just calling me and Steve by our first names?” Tony asked softly, a gentle smile made Tony’s features light up and Peter nodded, looking down at his bare feet. The carpet in here was so soft, and his feet sank into it.

“Okay, uh, Tony.” The name felt weird and it hung in the air for a while. But when Peter finally looked up, Tony was grinning.

“That’s better.” He said and seemed more at ease, Peter even relaxed a little.

“Is there something I can do, Tony?” Peter asked and scrunched up his nose a little, Tony pretended not to notice it.

“I was wondering if you had any plans for the summer?” Peter shook his head, he didn’t have any friends of whom he could make plans with.

“Oh okay, good.” Tony’s face brightened, relief coated his features and Peter felt another wave of relief crash into him knowing he’d said the right thing. given the right answer.

“Why?” Peter asked and then wondered if he was overstepping, maybe Tony just wanted him to babysit Morgan all summer. Something Peter would be more than happy to do.

“Well, Steve and I were looking at renting out a log cabin at this lake, it’s about three hours away but we figured we could go up for two weeks so I just thought I’d make sure it didn’t clash with your plans.” Tony explained and Peter’s heart leapt up into his throat.

“If you want I can stay here, look after the house. I’d hate to intrude on your family holiday.” Peter said all too quickly. He readied himself for the blow to come, for Tony to accept his offer. The reinforcement that he was just being babysat by these people until he could go to the next foster family.

“What? absolutely not! You are part of the family and you are coming on vacation with us, and that’s final.” Before Peter could argue or put his foot in it, Tony left. Peter stared after him with his jaw hanging open.

You are part of the family.

And instantly Peter burst into tears.

-

Tony was a little worried that he’d pushed the kid a little too far. Would Peter be okay with this? being called a part of the family? or had Tony overstepped? He pondered these questions as he stared at the washing machine.

“Sweetheart?” Steve asked as he entered the laundry, a frown on his face.

“Hey Stevie.” Tony smiled and Steve tilted his head.

“Everything okay?” he asked and Tony found himself forcing out a nod, then he shrugged.

“Pete’s onboard with the vacation.” Tony said, or was he? What if he hadn’t wanted to go? what if that was why he’d offered to stay at the house? Maybe he didn’t want to come along with them.

“You sure about that?” Steve asked with a little chuckle and Tony craned his neck up to look into Steve’s eyes.

“No?” he recounted the conversation to Steve who nodded along sympathetically.

“Okay, well I’ll go ask if he actually wants to come along with us, and you just relax. You didn’t do anything wrong.” Steve assured him and Tony desperately wanted to believe him, to believe that he really hadn’t screwed this up.

“Really?” at this, Steve laughed.

“Tony we want to make Peter a permanent part of this family, you shouldn’t feel guilty for expressing love and affection towards him. We both know its good for him.” Tony nodded, Steve was right. he was being dumb, Peter couldn’t possibly be upset for Tony saying he was part of the family.

“You’re right, he’s probably happy I said that. Right?” Steve grinned and looked relieved, like maybe Tony was finally understanding.

“Exactly. Now I’m going to go upstairs and check on him, do you want to quickly run down to the store and get something for dinner?” Tony nodded, glad that Steve had known him well enough to give him something to do. Something to keep his mind busy.

“okay, let me know how it goes when I get back.” Steve nodded and then left Tony alone in the laundry. It’s fine. Tony told himself, looking up at the roof. He’s probably excited about the trip and didn’t even notice the comment.

-

Steve approached the painted-white wooden bedroom door that separated Peter’s room from the hallway. He was suddenly overcome with nerves, which was ridiculous. Steve shook himself and then wrapped his knuckles against the wood.

“come in.” said a small and weak voice. Steve flinched but there was no turning back now. he opened the door, a bright smile on his face only to see a teary eyed, red faced Peter. He was curled up on the bed, knees up against his chest and chin resting atop.

“Pete?” Steve asked softly and Peter forced himself to smile. A twinge went through Steve’s heart at seeing him like this. looking so devastated, so hurt, all because Tony told him he was a part of the family?

“What’s up, Steve?” the breath immediately left Steve’s throat. Steve. The reality of hearing his name from Peter’s mouth crashed over him and it was like a bucket of ice water. He sat down next to Peter on the bed and wrapped his arms around the kid.

“Is everything okay Pete?” Steve asked softly and Peter sniffled and then nodded.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Are you sure that you guys want me to come along on vacation?” Steve’s hold on Peter tightened as his heart clenched at the words. This poor kid had been through so much and Steve would never forgive the world for doing this to him.

“Peter we wouldn’t have asked you to come along if we didn’t want you to. I fully stand by Tony’s words in the fact that you are a part of this family, our family okay?” After a long moment Peter nodded and seemed to relax in Steve’s arms.

“Okay.” Peter whispered, his voice hoarse.

“Now I have a question for you.” Steve pulled away and he could now see how truly red and swollen Peter’s eyes were.

“You can ask me anything.” Peter said softly, his eyes had darted down to his hands where he was fiddling with a Rubik’s cube.

“Did you want to come on this vacation with us? You’re a teenager and I know you said you hadn’t made any plans yet but I was your age once and can understand the temptation of a vacant house.” Steve ruffled the mop of hair on top of Peter’s head and made a mental note to book him in with the barber. It was getting long.

“Of course I want to go!” Peter said all too quickly and Steve rose a brow.

“Really? You want to kick back with me and Tony and listen to Morgan scream the whole car ride there?” Steve kept his voice light and jokey, but serious enough so that Peter could know that he really would be allowed to hang here if he wanted. Steve could cook up some meals and put them in the freezer, Peter would just have to reheat them.

“No, I really would love to come along.” Peter insisted and Steve’s smile turned into a broad and wide grin.

“Great, did you want to bring a friend along?” apparently it was the wrong thing to say. Peter’s face had had joy written all over it, with a great big smile and a light in his eyes that Steve got to watch vanish. Peter looked away, as if he were embarrassed.

“I don’t really have anyone I could invite.” He admitted and Steve inhaled sharply.

“Oh.” Was the only dumb thing that Steve could manage to say. But Peter shrugged his shoulders like it was no big deal.

“With Flash in my grade, he just made sure no one ever really talked to me.” a new and fresh wave of anger rolled through Steve’s gut at the mistreatment the Thompson family displayed towards Peter. He should have hit Mr Thompson harder.

“I’m so sorry kiddo.” Steve whispered and Peter shrugged again, forcing a smile onto his face as he pulled away and stood up, setting the Rubik’s cube down on his desk.

“It’s really no big deal, I’m used to it by now.” Peter ran a hand through his mop of hair and Steve shook his head.

“What about that girl that you told Morgan about? MG?” Steve said and Peter snorted.

“MJ.” He corrected and Steve lightly chuckled, but a smile was starting to creep its way onto Peter’s face.

“Yeah, that’s what I said. What about her?” Peter looked at his phone that sat on his desk, it almost looked like he had barely touched it.

“I don’t know if she’d even want to come along.”

“You don’t know until you ask.” And with that, Steve left so Peter could have some privacy.

-

Peter wasn’t even sure why he was so nervous. He had her number, but they hadn’t ever really spoken. Would this come off as creepy? Strange? Would the kids bully him for it when he went back to school at the end of summer? But then, Peter couldn’t exactly imagine that things could get much worse than they already were at school. So he picked up his phone.

Hey, my family and I are going to a cabin for two weeks and I was wondering if you’d like to come along?

Peter’s thumb hovered over the send button, his heart pounded in his chest but instead he deleted the message. Too long. Too creepy.

Hey, so I know we haven’t exactly talked much…but my family said I could bring a friend along to this cabin in the woods and

Peter shook his head, that sounded like he was going to kill her. Maybe he shouldn’t bother. Maybe he should call her. She probably wouldn’t even answer the phone, he thought about calling her for a moment longer before he simply tossed the phone onto the bed. Another time, he needed to think of the perfect wording before he could dare ask her to come along. Especially since they were going away for two whole weeks. She’d probably say no. there was no point in getting worked up about the whole thing. he shook himself and headed downstairs so he could help with dinner. As soon as he hit the last step the front door swung open and Tony entered, food shopping bags in hand.

“Hey kiddo can you give me a hand?” Peter nodded but his mind snagged on that one word. kiddo. Steve had said it too. It had warmed Peter all the way down to his toes, it was almost like they really thought of him as part of the family. he shook the thoughts away, that wasn’t true. Just a nickname, it meant nothing.

Because at the end of the day, Peter knew that he meant nothing. But he couldn’t dwell on these things so he walked out to the car and picked up the remaining bags, carrying them inside of the house. It was still light out, and Peter was once again reminded of one of the reasons he loved summer. Back when he had stayed with the Thompson’s, he’d been locked in the basement as soon as the sun had set. At least in the summertime he wasn’t down there for so long. It’s different here. Peter reminded himself as he plopped the bags down onto the kitchen bench.

“So, uh, did Steve talk to you about the trip?” Tony asked, he drummed his fingers on the bench, like he was nervous or something. Impatient. Peter thought and felt a knot of anxiety grow tighter in his stomach.

“Yeah he did, and he offered me the opportunity to bring a friend. Is that alright with you sir?” Tony winced at the word but Peter couldn’t help it, it was like how some people bounced their knee or bit their nails. Formality was his nervous tick.

“Of course Pete, are you feeling alright? You look nervous.” Tony’s face was soft and his eyes wide. Trying to soothe, to comfort. Peter yearned for that, instead he squeezed his eyes shut.

“I need your help with something.” Peter admitted and dug his nails into his palms, making tiny fists.

“What is it?” Steve said from behind him and his hand came to rest on Peter’s shoulder. Peter’s eyes snapped open and he readied the question.

“My uh, friend, I don’t know how to ask her to come.” Peter admitted and felt the two men exchange a look.

“What do you mean Pete?” Steve asked and Peter looked up at him, then looked to Tony, then swallowed. The knot of anxiety tightened and his hands began to tremble a little at his sides. What if this made them not want him to come? What if they waned to get rid of him after asking this? he was no one. He wasn’t their kid. He was nothing.

“Well uh, most kids at school don’t know I’m in the system. And no one knew I was living with Flash for uh, obvious reasons.” He was watching Tony, watched as his jaw clenched and his left eye twitched.

“and this friend of yours doesn’t know?” Steve asked, moving to sit down on one of the stools at the kitchen island. Peter nodded his head, glanced down at his feet and then back up at them.

“Yeah, so uh, is it okay when asking her to come, if I uh, just say I’m going on a trip with my…” he couldn’t get the word out. Couldn’t bring himself to say it. the rejection would be too brutal. Too harsh.

Family.

“Pete?” Steve prompted but Peter felt like his throat had closed up. It was just one stupid word, but there was so much meaning behind it. he felt like he was frozen in this moment, in this question. Was it really so wrong for him to want a family? to feel like he belonged somewhere? For him to be loved? Was it really so wrong for him to want people to celebrate his birthday with, or to give Christmas presents to? Or was it really so wrong for him to want to have people be there at his graduation, help him move into college?

No it wasn’t wrong, but maybe it would be wrong for him to ask this specific family to want him back. They had a kid, why would they want another one?

“Peter it’s okay, you’re safe to express yourself here.” Tony reminded him and he nodded.

“You can say no of course, we could say you’re some uncles of mine if you’re not comfortable, but I was wondering if I could call you guys my umm, my family.” he couldn’t look at them. Couldn’t watch for a reaction. For the rejection. The blows that were about to come his way. He couldn’t hear that, couldn’t look at that.

“Oh, Peter…” Peter winced and squeezed his eyes shut.

Right.

I’m no one.

Steve bounced his knee up and down, the nerves rattled through his chest. He had always hated this lobby, had hoped he’d never have to come back here. But Tony had taken the morning off to drive Steve to work himself, had insisted that Steve come here even when Steve’s heart was up in his throat.

“I’m sorry sweetie.” Steve whispered and his husband stopped flicking through a magazine to look at Steve.

“Honey we’ve gone over this, I’m not mad. Well I am, but not for the reasons that you’re thinking of.” Tony said softly and Steve inhaled sharply.

“What can I do to fix it?” he whispered and Tony let out a chuckle. Steve’s chest tightened, he didn’t want to worry Tony, didn’t want Tony to be mad.

“I’m mad that you got the Peter hug.” He said and poked his tongue out. And just like that, the knot in Steve’s chest loosened and his internal world calmed down a little. He wasn’t actually angry, it was just his competitive streak. Just like he had been when trying to get Morgan to call him dad first.

“Was there anything else that made you mad?” Steve asked and Tony shook his head, leaning forward and briefly pressing his lips against Steve’s.

“No and I want you to stop worrying alright?” Tony whispered and Steve nodded, pressing his nose against Tony’s and rubbing it gently, Tony’s eyes fluttered closed and Steve grinned.

“Alright.” He whispered and Tony nodded.

“Its you and I against this remember? Not me against you.” Tony whispered and Steve nodded, the sound of heels on the floor approaching letting them know that their time was up.

“I’ll make us some chicken and vegetables for dinner?” Steve asked and Tony nodded, standing with him.

“I’ll be at the office late so put mine in the microwave, tell Pete he can call me if he gets stuck with his work alright?” Steve nodded his head, the words barely registered.

“Alright.” Steve said and then his therapist was in sight, her hair shorter than Steve remembered.

“I’ll see you tonight.” And then Tony’s hand slipped out of Steve, leaving him completely alone to face his demons.

-

Peter tried to keep his head down low as he headed to the parking lot. His mind was racing with worry-was Steve okay? The question had plagued him all day, and he was looking forward to finally getting the answer. He just had to get to the car.

“Peter!” the car was in sight, Peter sped up, the door opened and Morgan jumped out. She was in a pair of kid-sized overalls and ran straight to him, wrapping her arms around Peter’s legs.

“Are you alright little miss?” Peter asked as he squatted down to her height.

“Can we make chocolate chip cookies today?” she asked, her eyes wide and worried. Peter chuckled, relief washed over him that she was alright. He hoped that he’d still be able to see and talk to Morgan when he moved on to the next foster home. After all, his residence in the Stark-Rogers household really was only temporary. They would be getting rid of Peter as soon as they could, but maybe he could still talk to Morgan after that?

“is that okay with your parents?” Peter asked and she nodded, a grin split open on her face.

“Yes! Daddy said I could as long as you watched!” she giggled, her tiny hands reached for Peter’s.

“Alright little miss, I’ll supervise.” Her eyes lit up and Peter’s heart squeezed, she was too adorable for her own good.

“Peter?” there was that voice again, Peter turned and saw MJ, standing before him and smiling softly at Morgan.

“MJ?” he shot up so he was standing again and a small smile graced her lips.

“I was wondering if I could copy the notes you took today in Chem? I had a doctor’s appointment.” She explained and Peter nodded his head, digging through his pockets for his phone.

“yeah, sure, put your number in and I’ll text them to you. is everything alright?” he glanced back to the car where Steve was patiently waiting and his heart hammered inside of his chest. He shouldn’t take too long, and he really did want to know how Steve was doing.

“oh yeah I’m fine. Thanks for asking!” MJ pressed a few buttons on the phone and then handed it back to him, Morgan tugged on Peter’s hand.

“Is she your girlfriend?” Morgan asked and Peter squeezed his eyes shut, MJ just laughed.

“No little Miss, come on.” Peter tugged on Morgan’s hand but she just stared up at MJ.

“Why not? She’s really pretty.” Peter wanted to disappear, how was this happening to him?

“Let’s go make those cookies huh? Plus your dad is waiting.” Morgan finally nodded, moving to follow Peter. He didn’t dare look back at MJ, his heart hammered inside of his chest. How was he ever going to look her in the eye again?

“Hey Pete, how was school?” Steve asked, a smile on his face. Peter searched for any visible signs that something was wrong, but couldn’t find anything. If anything, Steve seemed more relaxed.

“Fine, how was your day Mr Stark-Rogers?” Peter asked, Steve simply shrugged.

“I had a great day Pete, who was that girl?” Steve asked, Peter turned his head towards the window.

“just a girl from class, are you sure it’s alright for Morgan and I to make cookies?” Steve nodded his head.

“Yeah, but I have one condition.” Peter’s head snapped back to Steve and his stomach churned. Steve’s face was serious, the smile gone.

“Yeah?” Peter asked, slowly curling his hands into fists, digging his nails into his palms.

“I get to eat some.” Steve said at last and Peter let out a long deep exhale.

“Oh, of course, absolutely.” Morgan giggled from the back and Steve smiled, Peter uncurled his hands. This was fine, this was good. He let out several deep breaths and knew that it didn’t go unnoticed by Steve. Soon enough they were in the driveway and Peter was getting out of the car.

“hey Pete?” Peter froze, hand on the doorhandle.

“Yes Mr Stark-Rogers?” Peter asked, he stared straight ahead.

“Are you sure you’re alright? You seem a little…on edge.” Peter relaxed and looked to Steve. He truly did care, he really was a good parent. But he wasn’t Peter’s parent.

“I’m fine, thank you for asking though.” Steve narrowed his eyes ever so slightly but nodded his head.

“Alright, I’ll be in the living room if someone gets a little too hyper.” Peter smiled and nodded and finally exited the car.

“Come on!” Morgan cried and Peter nodded, following her inside.

-

Tony was increasingly growing exhausted as the hours grew later and later. He was supposed to have started heading home twenty minutes ago, but he was still nowhere near done with his workload. He glanced at his phone and worried his bottom lip between his teeth. Steve would be mad if he stayed back at the office too late, but Tony couldn’t let Hammer’s numbers beat him. Not after what happened at Fury’s birthday. He needed to remind his boss that Tony was still the best. It was at that moment that the phone rang.

“Tony Stark-Rogers, how may I help you?” Tony said, the words tumbled out automatically.

“Still at the office then?” Steve’s voice murmured and Tony sighed.

“Would you be mad if I stayed back for an extra hour or two?” at that, Steve sighed.

“you’re overdoing it honey.” Tony squeezed his eyes shut.

“I’m fine, seriously Stevie. I’m just a little further behind than I thought.” Tony lied, he drummed his fingers on the desk and counted the seconds between his words and another one of Steve’s prolonged sighs.

“Morgan and Peter made cookies.” Tony smiled, but he didn’t move away from his desk.

“that’s good.” The whole office building was dark except for Tony’s office, everyone else had gone home to their families and partners. Everyone but Tony.

“do you really have to stay back?” Steve asked after a long pause and Tony found himself nodding. It took him a moment too long to realise that he was on the phone and Steve couldn’t actually see him. Tony cleared his throat, ran a hand through his hair and squeezed his eyes shut.

“I promise I’ll make it up to you.” Tony said and Steve chuckled.

“You don’t need to make it up to me, your job is important.” Tony cringed, regretting calling in the first place. Wishing he had just gone home.

“how was therapy?” Tony asked before Steve could hang up the phone.

“Fine.” And then the line went dead.

“Fuck.” Tony groaned, dropping the phone on his desk and rubbing his eyes with the heels of his palms. He took several deep breaths and then straightened. He had work to do, he would make it up to Steve later.

-

Steve didn’t want to be angry with Tony, but he was ninety percent sure that Tony didn’t actually need to stay back at work. But then he wasn’t one to argue with Tony about his job, especially not after what he’d done at his boss’ birthday.

“When’s daddy coming home?” Morgan asked as she tugged on Steve’s sleeve, drawing his attention down to her.

“He’s going to be a while longer.” She frowned.

“Like last year?” she asked and Steve shook his head, pulling her up and into his chest.

“Not like last year, alright? how are those cookies coming along?” Steve carried her to the kitchen where baking pan after baking pan contained dozens of cookies.

“We made a lot Mr Stark-Rogers.” Peter said, his cheeks tinged pink. Steve just grinned, placed Morgan on the ground and picked up a cookie. He bit into it and moaned, they were perfect. Crunchy on the outside but soft and gooey on the inside.

“these are amazing.” Steve said and Peter’s face lit up.

“Really?” Steve nodded and reached for a second one.

“We’ll have to triple check that all the doors are locked from the cookie monster tonight.” Morgan gasped and Steve winked at Peter.

-

Peter was so relieved that the cookies had turned out well. Relieved that Steve wasn’t made at the amount of cookies that they had made. But he was disappointed that Tony wasn’t going to be coming home anytime soon. Peter also noticed that even though Steve was pretending to be calm and relaxed, his body was tense. Different to how he’d been just twenty minutes earlier. It dawned on Peter that they had had an argument. He looked down at his phone, the screen lit up from a text from MJ.

Thanks Peter.

He drew his attention back to Steve, his brows furrowed together in worry for the older man.

“Pete?” Steve asked softly and Peter forced his eyes down. It was rude to stare.

“You don’t have to answer sir, I was just wondering if everything was alright with your husband?” Peter forced the words out and the room fell silent.

“Princess why don’t you go play with your dolls?” Steve asked and she nodded, took a cookie and then raced out of the room. Peter’s stomach twisted and churned, he shouldn’t have asked. He’d overstepped the boundaries of this house, they would get rid of him now.

“Tony likes to be the best in his field, which I support and encourage. He likes to challenge himself, and feels compelled to do better each month.”

“So he stayed late because he doesn’t think he’s the best?” Peter asked and Steve shook his head.

“I think he knows that his numbers are the best, but he’s paranoid that they aren’t. he’s a bit of a perfectionist.” Steve explained and Peter nodded, picked at a loose thread on his hoodie and then looked back up at Steve.

“should we go get him then?” at that, Steve’s brows rose.

“What do you mean?”

“Well I can tell that you’re really worried about him and Morgan made some comment that tells me this is something your husband struggles with. Does it get really bad?” Steve nodded his head.

“Yeah, it can do. I was going to talk to him about it when he got home.”

“so let’s go get him. Remind him that the numbers aren’t as important as he thinks.” Steve smiled softly.

“Yeah, alright.” And it seemed like a breath of relief for Steve to say those words. Peter couldn’t help but grin, this was good. He knew Steve was worried, really worried.

“Cool, I’ll go get Morgan.” Peter said and walked away, glad that he’d done something right. helped this family rather than hindered it. he’d been useful, not just a burden.

-

Morgan was propped on Steve’s hip, Peter at his side and Steve watched the numbers light up as the elevator travelled upwards. The building was dark and quiet, eerie. Which was just a sign that it was time for Tony to come home, he shouldn’t work like this. finally the elevator stopped and the doors opened and they stepped out into a well lit hall.

“This place is really fancy Mr Stark-Rogers.” Peter said and Steve nodded his head. Every time Steve came to the office, he was reminded of just how ornate and rich the people that Tony worked with were. Reminded Steve of just how much he didn’t fit in Tony’s life. At the end of the hall they turned left and there was only one office with a light on. Steve reached his hand out, fingers just about ready to grasp the knob when there was a noise.

A giggle.

Steve’s entire arm seized up and he recoiled from the door. Took a step back and stared at the wood.

“Don’t stop.” A voice that was completely unfamiliar to Steve groaned and Peter’s head whipped towards Steve.

“Mr Stark-Rogers?” Peter whispered and Steve’s mind was racing, Tony wouldn’t dare. There was no way, he’d never be so cruel, so callous. Tony loved Steve too much to ever do this, loved their family and their life too much to do this. he was too good a man to ever do such a thing.

“Steve?” Steve turned and walking towards him, not in his office, was Tony. Every muscle in Steve’s body relaxed and relief crashed into him. Thank god. He pulled his husband in with his free arm and brought his lips down to Tony’s. but when Steve pulled back Tony was frowning.

“what are you doing here?” he asked, looking between them all.

“We came to take you home, you’re working too hard.” Steve said and Tony tilted his head.

“This isn’t like last year honey.” Tony promised and Steve shrugged.

“Peter was the one who convinced me to come get you, and I’m glad that he did.” Steve explained and Tony glanced at the kid who suddenly looked extremely uncomfortable.

“Alright, you’re right. let’s go home.” Tony said and Steve relaxed, then glanced back at the office door.

“Who’s in there?” Steve asked, unable to quiet the anxieties in his head. Tony scrunched his nose up in disdain as he looked at the door.

“Hammer.” Tony said with a frown.

“Isn’t that your office?” Steve asked and Tony snorted as they began to walk away.

“Stevie my office is at the other end of the hall. You turned left instead of right.” oh. Steve felt like the world’s biggest idiot and felt his cheeks turn red.

“Oh.” Tony let out a giggle that melted Steve’s heart, how did he get so lucky? And how could he have ever doubted Tony?

“so I heard you kids made some cookies?”

-

Snuggled into Steve’s chest, Tony felt like all was right in the world. Just upstairs were the kids who were sleeping soundlessly. Steve flicked through the channels with a slight frown.

“What are you looking for?” Tony asked, wishing that Steve would just enjoy their quiet evening. But then Steve’s face broke out into a broad grin, and it set Tony’s body on fire. Steve turned his head and brushed his lips against the top of Tony’s head and Tony turned, just as the beginning of one of his all-time favourite movies started to play.

“Pretty Woman?” Tony asked and Steve nodded, his smile slowly faded.

“You still love this movie, right?” Tony nodded, as if he could ever grow tired of this movie.

“Yeah.” He whispered, but he wasn’t looking at the screen. Tony was too busy studying Steve’s profile, all the lines and curves of his face. The slope of his nose, the sharpness of his jaw, the crease between his brows.

“Stop staring.” Steve said and a nervous smile spread over his lips, Tony chuckled but didn’t look away. A blush crept over Steve’s cheeks, turning them red and he turned to look at Tony. Steve had the prettiest eyes known to man. Tony felt himself leaning closer and closer, and Steve’s eyes fluttered shut. a mischievous twinge in Tony’s personality forced him to turn last second and licked up the side of Steve’s face. Steve let out a harsh and loud shriek, he jerked back and Tony tilted his head up as laughter bubbled out of him.

“Tony!” Steve cried, but it was swallowed up by his own fit of laughter as he wrapped his arms around Tony, pulling him into Steve’s lap.

“Yes honey?” Tony asked and batted his eyelashes.

-

It was moment’s like this that reminded Steve why he could never love anyone else ever again. Moments when he looked into Tony’s large and soft brown eyes and his heart was sent into overdrive.

“Your eyes are so pretty.” Steve whispered because Tony needed to be reminded of just how pretty his eyes were. Steve’s husband looked away bashfully, ran a hand through his hair and then looked back to Steve.

“You’re a dork Mr Stark-Rogers.” Tony whispered and Steve cupped the side of Tony’s face.

“We’re okay, right?” he whispered because Steve needed the reassurance that he wasn’t about to lose Tony. Tony truly was Steve’s entire world, and Steve never wanted to live in a world where he couldn’t hold his husband like this.

“Better than okay.” Tony whispered before crashing his lips against Steve’s. Steve’s hands came to rest on Tony’s ass and he squeezed ever so slightly. Tony moaned into his mouth and his fingers fisted in Steve’s hair. Steve began to slide his hands up and down along Tony’s back, tracing his fingers along the bottom of his shirt. Finally Tony pulled back for air and Steve smiled dazedly up at him.

“you okay?” he whispered a little breathlessly and Tony nodded.

“Let’s just watch the movie.” He whispered and Steve nodded but Tony didn’t move.

“Something wrong honey?” Steve asked with a smirk and once again Tony’s lips came against Steve’s, bringing them closer together.

“Thank you for forcing me to come home.” He whispered against Steve’s lips and Steve chuckled.

“We’ve got to start taking better care of ourselves.” At that, Tony tipped his head back and laughed.

“deal.” He said and looked down at Steve with the softest smile. Steve returned it, relief flooded him in knowing that they’d get through this. he brushed his lips against Tony’s once more and then Tony moved off of Steve’s lap and curled up beside him again.

“I love this movie.” He mumbled and Steve chuckled. One day they’d be old and grey and they’d curl up on the couch just like this and watch pretty woman and Steve would still be just as in love with Tony as he was right in this very moment.

Peter sat outside and studied the garden in the Stark-Rogers backyard. It was the first time he’d come out here and it was really pretty, serene. There were a couple trees and bushes planted around the place, but the majority of the space was made up by a table, some chairs and a barbecue.

“You alright Pete?” Tony asked and Peter nodded, Tony looked on edge himself admittedly. Ever since he’d come outside, his jaw had been clenched and shoulders tensed. Peter was used to noticing these things, he just hadn’t expected to notice these things here in this household with Tony and Steve.

“I’m fine, are you okay sir?” at that Tony nodded, forcing himself to relax.

“I’m fine Pete, do you know where everyone is?” Natasha was on a phone call, speaking in a language that Peter didn’t understand, though he suspected the language in question was Russian.

“no sir.” Tony nodded, a frown spread out on his face. He looked around and then shrugged, plopping down into his chair.

“Morgan’s probably just showing Bucky her latest doll.” Tony said and Peter nodded politely, though he doubted it. peter began to bounce his left leg, wishing he could just disappear upstairs. He didn’t belong out here, not with their friends. not when he very clearly was not a part of this family, Peter was nothing more than an imposter, intruding on their lives. His knee stilled when he heard a giggle, Morgan’s to be specific. Peter cocked his head to the side and a moment later was sprayed with water to the back of his head. He shot up to his feet, panic and alarm rushed through him and he spun around, Morgan grinned mischievously with a water gun in her hands. Peter held up his hands in surrender, as if that was would do anything.

“surprise.” Steve and Bucky were grinning at Tony, Natasha had somehow avoided getting wet.

“Oh really?” Tony asked, backing up and lunging for the hose, spraying the three of them in one fell sweep, and then Peter. He inhaled sharply, not expecting the water to be so freezing cold. He reminded himself that he was safe, that he was okay and his body relaxed as the cold water moved off of his skin, he was fine right now and there was nothing to panic about. But just to be safe he moved so he was right beside Natasha, his clothes dripped water on the brick pavement that acted as the patio area.

“Do not even think about it Barnes.” She said, holding out a finger as Bucky aimed a water gun at them. His eyes widened a fraction and then he turned, spraying Steve who tipped his head back and laughed.

“You…ruined…lunch!” Tony gasped out between fits of laughter. Everyone turned to the table which held all the food and found that it was soaked, dripping water and the food had gone soggy.

“Ah shit.” Bucky said and Morgan giggled.

“Shit?” she asked and Steve and Tony shared a look.

“that’s an adult word dragă.” Bucky said and she tilted her head.

“Shit.” She repeated and Steve groaned.

“Guess the cat’s out of the bag now, sorry guys.” Bucky said and they both shrugged it off. But Peter just watched Steve carefully, heart racing as he waited for a bad response. For this to somehow be blamed on Peter, for the beating that was sure to come. But Steve just grabbed a towel that was sitting on one of the chairs and dried his face.

“I’ll go and get us all some fish and chips.” Steve said and Tony nodded his head.

“Don’t take long, we’re starving out here!” Tony cried and Steve chuckled.

“Please tell Morgan about all the trouble Bucky’s going to be in for using such a bad word.” Steve said and pressed a quick kiss to Tony’s lips. And then Steve disappeared inside the house.

-

When Steve returned he served the dinner up onto plates. Morgan had been giddy from all the attention she’d received from Bucky, Natasha and Peter and Tony had just watched Steve quietly.

“You okay honey?” Steve asked and he nodded his head, looking exhausted.

“Yeah I’m fine, it’s just been a long weekend.” He said softly, and guilt flashed in Steve’s stomach. Steve couldn’t even begin to imagine what Tony’s work was going to say when he got there on Monday.

“I’m sorry.” Steve whispered and Tony shook his head, his smile brightening.

“it’s not your fault remember? Now let’s feed these people before they turn into angry and violent gremlins.” Tony stepped forward, planting a kiss on Steve’s cheek and then stepping out of the kitchen to go fetch the others. They all came rushing in, Peter was the last, and grabbed their plates of food. Peter stared at the last available plate and Steve inched it towards him.

“it’s for you Pete.” He flinched ever slightly and met Steve’s eyes.

“Thank you sir.” He said and took the plate, following the rest of the crowd. Shit. How had Steve fucked up his entire life in just a single night?

-

When Tony strolled into work on Monday morning, he’d been in such a good mood that he’d forgotten all about Friday’s incident. He was in such a good mood that he didn’t notice any of his co-workers staring at him as he made his way to his office. There was, however, a note that had been left on his desk requesting he go straight to his boss’ office. Tony made his way over, a spring in his step and knocked on Fury’s door.

“you wanted to see me?” Fury, was scowling. It took a moment for Tony to realise why, and then a mix of shame and guilt washed through Tony.

“Your husband attacked one of my good friends on my birthday, care to explain?” fury, propped his head up on his fist, looking simultaneously bored and pissed off and it put Tony on edge. He’d been in such a good mood despite his conversation with Bucky on Saturday. Despite his lack of revenge yet to be performed on Rose Thompson.

“Did Steve do much damage?” Tony asked and Fury snorted.

“Broke his nose for starters.” Fury grumbled and Tony looked down at the ground.

“And?” Tony asked, partially afraid of what was to come.

“his left eye is swollen shut since your dear husband nearly shattered his cheekbone. Two of his fingers are broken and his right wrist is sprained. Yet he’s refusing to press charges.” Fury said and Tony let out a breath of relief. But he knew why Harrison had avoided those charges, he knew that the truth would come out about what he had done to Peter.

“Steve and I just took in another foster kid. Your dear friend Harrison Thompson used to foster Peter.”

“and that’s a good enough reason to beat him up?” Fury asked and Tony shook his head. He would not lie about this to his boss, even if it put Tony at risk. Some people just didn’t want to hear the truth sometimes.

“he was abusive towards Peter.” Fury’s face went slack and he turned away, Tony gritted his teeth.

“I’m sorry to hear that.” Tony shook his head, sorry didn’t fix what had been done to that boy. Sorry didn’t heal the cuts, unbreak the broken bones, make the bruises vanish, sorry didn’t cut it. sorry wasn’t good enough and it never would be good enough.

“Peter spent a whole weekend in hospital thanks to your friend, Steve spent that entire weekend with him in the hospital. Drove Peter to the emergency room himself, so I think that Steve deserves a little slack for that incident.” Fury narrowed his eyes but Tony kept his head held high. He wouldn’t apologise, not to that asshole.

“I’ll let this one slide on an account of my friend’s poor behaviour. May I ask if it’s being investigated?” Fury raised his eyes and Tony nodded.

“Yes.” Fury looked back down at his desk, nodding his head, beginning to reach for his mouse and keyboard at his computer.

“good.” Tony’s body relaxed as a wave of relief flooded him, at least his boss forgave them. Tony had started to worry that maybe he’d lose his job over this. “don’t you have work to do?” Fury asked after a moment and Tony nodded, he turned and left, heading back to his own office with an extra spring in his step.

-

Tony had called Steve earlier in the afternoon to let him know he’d be home late but that he’d buy dinner on the way. He’d sounded good, happy and Steve wanted the family to be in the same mood for Tony when he got home. Steve had tidied up the house, helped Morgan with the small piece of homework she had, and then Steve had wandered around the house, deliberately avoiding one room, one person. He showered, changed into sweatpants and a soft worn sweater before finally making his way back to Peter’s door. He took a deep breath and then knocked, Tony had advised against this, but Peter couldn’t live like this. not anymore.

“Come in.” Peter’s voice said and when Steve stepped inside, Peter was hunched over some textbooks at his desk.

“Hey Pete.” Steve leaned on the doorframe and Peter straightened, his whole body went taunt and he inhaled sharply.

“Hello sir.” Peter mumbled and Steve crossed his arms over his chest, smiling softly.

“what are you studying?” Steve asked and Peter glanced back to his books.

“Chemistry. It’s taking a while.” Peter admitted, and Steve nodded. Tony usually helped Peter with his homework at night.

“Tony should be home soon.” Peter’s face showed the relief at that. Steve looked down at the floor as a wave of guilt crashed over him, he’d really fucked up.

“okay, thanks sir.” Peter turned back to his textbooks, but there was still a tenseness in his shoulders, Steve had to fix this.

“Can I come in?” Steve asked and Peter nodded.

“Of course sir, it is your house you don’t have to ask me.” Steve gritted his teeth but nodded and moved forward, sitting down on the edge of his bed and leaning forward, forearms rested on his knees.

“I want to talk to you about what happened at the party, with Mr Thompson.” Peter nodded, his body was perfectly still.

“yes sir.”

“I want you to know that that was a one time thing Peter, I would never hurt you or Morgan.” Peter nodded his head but didn’t look like he quite believed Steve.

“And your husband sir?” Peter asked and Steve rose his brows, as if he could ever hurt Tony.

“Never have and I swear I never will. I know you’ve grown accustomed to suffering from and witnessing violence in a house, but it isn’t like that here. I would never hurt you Peter.” He nodded his head.

“I know it’s different here sir.” Peter glanced at Steve and managed a small and weak smile. Good. Steve thought to himself, this was a good start.

“what happened at the party was…a loss of control. Sometimes my PTSD and anxiety from the time I spent in the military, it gets the better of me.”

“So if you hit me it’s not your fault sir?” Peter asked, jaw clenched tight.

“that’s not what I’m saying. I swear to you that I would never touch you Pete. What I’m trying to say is that it used to come out in panic attacks and nightmares, that kind of thing. so I went to therapy to get better and it really worked and I thought I had it under control. But when I saw Harrison Thompson on Friday night I just lost it, knowing how he’d hurt you…” Steve trailed off, running a hand through his hair.

-

Peter held his breath but slowly turned to Steve, his body relaxing ever so slightly.

“So that was the first time?” Steve nodded his head and let out a deep breath.

“kind of. When I was in the military I served with Bucky, and if there was an enemy coming from him I would lose it like that. It really only happens if someone I care about has been threatened. But I never thought that side of me would appear ever again once I left the military.” Peter thought it over, and any last trace of fear he held for Steve vanished.

“so what, you were protecting me?” Steve nodded his head.

“In my own messed up way I guess, but I would never hurt you like that. Tony and I already organised for me to go back to therapy. I’m going to get my mind right again, I promise.” Therapy. Peter’s body relaxed completely now and he nodded his head.

“therapy?” Steve nodded his head.

“Tony used to make me go, back when things were really bad and then I got better. I thought I was fine but I guess not. But I swear I would never hurt you, you’ve gotta believe me Pete.” Peter was nodding, he believed Steve.

“Thank you for telling me Mr Stark-Rogers.” And at that, a wide grin spread out on Steve’s face.

“Tony and I care about you and we want you to feel safe here, you can be yourself alright?” be himself, that sounded nice.

“Yes Mr Stark-Rogers.” Peter hesitated, Steve watched him oh so carefully with those bright blue eyes of him.

“You alright?” Steve asked and Peter nodded, then looked down at the floor.

“I was going to ask if it’d be alright if I hugged you, I feel bad about how I’ve acted around you these last couple of days but it’s alright, you wouldn’t want to hug me anyway.”

-

Peter wanted to hug him. Peter wanted to hug him. Peter wanted to hug him. Steve was grinning, absolutely positively beaming.

“of course you can hug me Peter and I do want to hug you.” His head shot up and there was hope in his eyes that made Steve’s heart race.

“Really? You wouldn’t mind?” Steve shook his head and Peter practically launched himself at Steve, wrapping his arms tightly around him. Steve held Peter in his arms and Peter relaxed in them, and Steve’s own body softened. Peter buried his face into Steve’s chest and Steve squeezed his eyes shut. They were going to be alright, Steve would protect Peter at all costs.

-

When Tony came home there was laughter coming from the living room.

“Honey I’m home!” he called out, locking the front door behind him. There was no response, but the laughter grew louder. Tony dumped the bags of Chinese food on the counter and slowly made his way to the living room. When Tony got to the living room he found Steve and Peter with a pack of playing cards. Both of them were grinning. A smile instantly spread out on Tony’s lips.

“What’s this?” he asked and they both turned.

“I’m teaching Peter how to play bullshit, want to join?”  Tony snorted, of course he was.

“Dinner’s ready.” He announced and they set the cards down. Peter left first, giving Tony and Steve a moment alone.

“I see you two kissed and made up.” Steve nodded his head, a grin spread out on his face.

“I even got a hug.” He said all too smugly and Tony’s jaw fell open. No fucking way.

“No way, how’d you do it?” Tony asked as he lightly whacked Steve on the arm.

“I had a talk with him, I was open and honest and just explained that I would never hurt him or Morgan or you for that matter.”

“I thought that went without saying?” Tony said, raising his hand and tapping the wedding band.

“Peter asked about you specifically.” That surprised Tony. Was Peter really worried about Steve abusing Tony?

“What did you say?”

“Told him I’d never touch you like that. And I explained that I’m going to therapy, to get better.” Steve kissed Tony’s forehead and Tony squeezed his eyes shut. what if it’s not enough? It had to be enough, Tony couldn’t lose Steve, and they couldn’t lose Peter.

“I love you.” Steve pulled back and narrowed his eyes ever so slightly.

“Is everything alright?” Tony nodded, staring up into those gorgeous blue eyes.

“Yeah honey, everything’s fine.” And the lie tasted sour on his tongue.

Steve’s eyes widened and his stomach churned as the old man charged for him, his fist connecting with Steve’s face. It was the shock Steve needed to get his ass into gear as he stumbled back, pain radiated from his left cheek.

“Get out of here! Go!” Tony’s voice was raw, hoard and Steve inhaled sharply. He wasn’t going anywhere, not now, not seeing Tony like this. his cheek was throbbing but Steve couldn’t think about it right now, he had to figure out a plan and fast.

“I’m not going to fight an old man.” Steve growled, but that only antagonised the old guy even more. His eyes wild with rage and Steve’s mind racing for an answer, a solution.

“Old?” he snarled and moved to throw another punch, but Steve caught it, his nose scrunched up and lip curled as revulsion rolled through him.

“Don’t fucking touch me.” Steve snarled and risked a glance at Tony. His guard dropped as he took the younger boy in, face swollen and bloody, back covered in welts and he was gasping for breath. It felt like the whole world had slowed down as Steve glanced to Tony, crying and begging for Steve to get out of there.

“Go.” he whispered just as the old man landed a blow to Steve’s stomach and Steve doubled over, the wind knocked out of him.

“Get the fuck out of my house!” the man roared but Steve shook his head, shoving the man aside and began to make his way over to Tony. Tony began to shake his head, his eyes were wide and skin awfully pale, but Steve wouldn’t leave him here. Not like this. and then something sharp and hard came down on Steve’s back, a crack sounded in the air which was followed by Steve’s cry as he fell to the cold hard floor.

-

Tony’s eyes widened as he saw Howard’s belt come down on Steve’s back, his father was so consumed by rage that he had whipped a stranger. But not just any stranger, Steve. Tony was aware that they were screwed now, there would be no containing Howard, he’d gone too far.

“Steve go!” Tony pleaded, why wouldn’t he just listen to Tony? Why was it so impossible for him to just leave, let Tony take this rage like he had done on so many other nights. Instead Steve clambered up to his feet, body flinching from the agony that definitely wracked through his body at the action.

“What are you going to do now?” Howard demanded and Tony’s eyes zeroed in on Steve’s hands which had curled themselves into fists.

“Nothin.” Steve shook his head, uncurling those fists and turning back to Tony. He took a step forward and Tony inhaled sharply as his father moved to follow. But then Steve spun, first connected with Howard’s face and Howard’s body crashed against the floor. Tony winced but the man wasn’t unconscious, though he was struggling to get back up onto his feet. But Tony didn’t get to study his father for long before Steve scooped his body up off of the floor and carried Tony outside bridal style, the cold air bit at Tony’s skin.

“It’s going to be alright Tony, I’ve got you now.” Steve whispered and Tony nodded, though he didn’t feel any better.

“Why did you come back? Tony whispered, though it came out more like a sob and Steve’s grip tightened on his body, pulling him in closer. The warmth from Steve’s chest spreading to his body, Tony could feel Steve’s racing heart on the side of his face.

“I was coming back for my jacket.” His voice was tight, strained and Tony inhaled sharply. Oh. Of course, he’d just come back for the jacket. Tony hated the stab of disappointment that filled up his entire being and he suddenly wished he could disappear. Why did he care so much about Steve? It was clear that Steve didn’t even like Tony, why would he have come back just for Tony? Tony was overcome with feelings of stupidity and wished his back wasn’t in so much pain that he was incapable of walking. Wished he could fly out of Steve’s arms and hide away for the rest of eternity. Wished that he didn’t find so much comfort and safety whilst he was being held up in Steve’s arms, wished he didn’t find those blue eyes so damn gorgeous. Wished that it wasn’t near freezing so Tony didn’t have to snuggle into Steve’s chest so he would die from hypothermia.

But alas, life could be a bitch sometimes.

-

While Steve had know that Tony was skinny, he still hadn’t expected him to be so light. Insanely light, he practically weighed nothing. And Steve was grateful that Bucky had pushed him so hard at the gym so that this task wouldn’t seem so damn difficult. His back ached with each and every step Steve took his mind racing a million miles a minute. It was no surprise really, if that was the house that Tony had grown up in, he probably didn’t get to eat very much. Steve glanced back over his shoulder, fear and paranoia mixed and moulded together in his gut, putting Steve on edge.

“You alright?” Tony mumbled into his chest, his body shivering. Tony snuggled in deeper and once again Steve tightened his grip, not wanting to let go.

“Feeling kind of tired.” Tony mumbled and Steve nodded, stomach churning.

“You’ve got to stay awake alright, don’t fall asleep on me.”

“What do you want me to do?” Tony asked and Steve bit his lip, glancing down at Tony’s big and brown and warm eyes.

“Talk to me.” He raised a brow and nodded.

“What about?” Steve hadn’t actually thought that far ahead, and he was growing tired.

“Anything, tell me what your favourite colour is.”

“Red.” Tony said without hesitation and Steve chuckled.

“fair enough, hospital’s left here right?” Steve asked and Tony’s body stiffened in his arms.

“we can’t go to the hospital.” Tony told him and Steve rose a brow. What?

“Why the hell not?” he’d been walking around all afternoon and he could feel the blisters that had formed on the back of his feet.

“my dad has contacts there.” Tony mumbled, looking scared suddenly and Steve relaxed his face, letting his jaw go slack and erasing any momentary frustration.

“Alright then, I’ll take you back to my place.” Steve said and changed directions and Tony relaxed once more.

-

“Do you want to take a break?” Tony asked after another ten minutes. Steve nodded but then shook his hand.

“We’ve gotta get you stitched up.” Steve murmured but Tony shrugged, starting to pull out of Steve’s arms.

“Two minutes isn’t going to make much of a difference.” So they sat down on a bus bench, both of them slumping together.

“Thank you, for saving me.” Tony whispered, his voice sounded so raspy and broken.

“I wasn’t going to leave you there.” Steve whispered back and Tony squeezed his eyes shut, trying to even out his breathing. No one had ever cared before, no one had ever been there before.

“What’s your favourite colour?” Tony asked, resting his head on Steve’s shoulder. Steve’s own head came to rest atop of Tony’s and they snuggled together for warmth.

“red or blue, maybe black. I can’t decide.” He admitted and Tony’s lips formed a faint smile.

“Do you think I really am so awful?” Tony whispered, terrified of Steve’s answer.

-

Steve inhaled sharply, his heart breaking for the fractured boy beside him. Steve’s hand moved out without his brain’s permission and took hold of Tony’s.

“No. I was worried at first, but you’re not a bad person Tony.” He nodded and Steve half expected him to let go, but he held on, as if his life depended on it.

“thank you.” he whispered and Steve squeezed his hand.

“How long was that going on for?” Steve whispered into Tony’s hair, squeezing his eyes shut as he waited for the answer.

“couple years.” Tony admitted and Steve inhaled sharply. Shit.

“I’m so sorry Tony.” But Tony just shook his head and pulled back, still holding onto Steve’s hand.

“don’t be, you’ve done more for me tonight than anyone had in my whole entire life.” And that might be the most devastating thing that Steve had ever heard. There was no way that his small and simplistic acts today had been the nicest thing that anyone had ever done for Tony. But the sincerity in Tony’s voice made Steve believe it. and to think that only a few hours ago Steve had thought Tony was a spoiled rich brat who didn’t give a damn about anything. About anyone.

“I’m sorry that I judged you so harshly when I first met you.” Those big soft brown eyes met Steve’s blue ones, how could anyone hurt Tony?

“We should get going before we get frostbite.” Tony said and Steve nodded, letting go of Tony’s hand so he could pick up his body and carry him.

“I can try and walk.” Tony whispered and Steve snorted.

“you’re funny.” He grumbled and besides, it wouldn’t be long before he made it back to the apartment. Tony just had to hold on for a little while longer. He could feel Tony’s body going slack in his arms and Steve’s heart began to race.

“Hey, stay with me.” Steve murmured and Tony’s eyes opened, he nodded once.

“Okay.” Steve could see his apartment building now, relief flooded his veins. Thank god. When Steve stepped inside of the lobby, it was mercifully warm and empty. They both groaned at the sudden heat and Steve made his way over to the elevator.

“I can stand.” Tony mumbled and Steve nodded, putting Tony down but wrapping his arm around Tony so he wouldn’t fall. The elevator doors opened as soon as Steve hit the button and they stepped inside, soon Steve could collapse down into his terrible couch.

“almost there.” Steve whispered and Tony nodded. The doors opened and together they stepped out into the empty hall, it was then that Steve realised his keys were in the jacket that was still all the way back at Tony’s house. Fuck. Praying that Bucky and Nat were home, Steve kicked the door with his foot. He banged a couple times then waited.

“About time!” Bucky swung open the door and then rose a brow when he saw them.

“Bucky?” Nat asked from behind.

“what the hell happened?” his eyes kept wildly looking back and forth between Steve and Tony, as if the answer could be found there.

“I promise that I’ll explain all of this later.” Steve said as he stormed passed, marching Tony all the way back to his room and onto the bed.

-

The world was spinning and tilting and then Tony was aware that he was laying down on a bed. And the scent that filled his nose was so purely Steve that it made him dizzy.

“Slow down.” Tony whispered, but his voice was lost in a sea of shouting. Bucky and Nat were arguing with Steve, Tony couldn’t decipher what the fuss was all about, his head was just pounding. But then he was rolled onto his stomach, his thin shirt lifted and an ointment was being rubbed into the welts of his back. Tony arched his back and let out a scream as the sting radiated throughout him. The roars ripped out of his throat and his body writhed on the bed, hands clawed at the sheets in an attempt to escape.

“Stop!” he cried, curling into the mattress but the hands didn’t stop, more just joined to pin him down to the bed.

“It hurts, stop!” he sobbed, his face was now wet with tears as they streamed down his cheeks.

‘I know Tony, just breathe through it alright.” Steve’s soothing voice murmured and Tony began to grind his teeth together.

“This looks bad Steve, shouldn’t we call for an ambulance?” Bucky asked but the hands never faltered, never stopped.

“No, we can’t go to the hospital.” Steve said and Tony sobbed. Soon the hands pulled back, slipping off of him as if they’d never been there at all.

“Bucky and I will go get some pain killers from the pharmacy.” Natasha said before the sound of footsteps exited the room.

“Tony?” Steve asked softly and Tony slowly eased himself up until he was sitting. He cracked his eyes open to take in Steve’s warm and comforting face. But amongst all that warmth and comfort was fear.

“I’m so sorry.” Tony whispered as the realisation dawned upon him that he had brought Steve into his nightmarish mess.

“Hey, this is not your fault.” Steve said and Tony nodded, but it really was his fault. Steve took hold of Tony’s hand again and Tony’s heart fluttered in his chest. Steve moved so he was propped up against the headboard and then pulled Tony down so his head rested on Steve’s chest. Tony squeezed his eyes shut, inhaling deeply and was met with just the smell of Steve. And then Tony was crying, because his life had officially turned to shit.

-

At first all Tony did was cry, and then he would apologise. It was an hour before Natasha and Bucky came back, she handed Tony two tablets and a glass of water.

“I got the strongest ones I could, they’re going to make you drowsy though.” Tony had just nodded, taken the tablets and then Nat had slipped out of the room, not daring to utter another word. Steve’s back still throbbed and ached but he didn’t let out even the smallest whisper of complaints. Not after he’d gotten a proper look at Tony’s wounds, not when he knew Tony had suffered through Steve’s pain a thousand times over. it had killed a part of Steve, to rub the antiseptic ointment in while Tony had screamed. But Bucky had said words of encouragement and Steve had known he had to keep going.

“thank you, for taking care of me.” Tony mumbled, the words melding into one another.

“Of course.” Steve whispered, only starting to become aware of how much Tony would mean to him.

“do you feel any better?” Steve asked and Tony nodded at that.

“Yeah, the pain meds must be starting to kick in.” Steve relaxed. Good. He thought to himself as he studied Tony’s face. Tony’s eyes were closed, he looked so peaceful for once. Not a trace of the chaotic energy he seemed to have always carried with him.

“Good, I’m glad.” Steve admitted. Steve stayed perfectly still as a comfortable silence filled the room, and Steve just held Tony gently in his arms whilst Tony hung on for dear life.

“Please don’t leave me.” Tony whispered into the dimly lit room and Steve squeezed his eyes shut. as if he could ever go anywhere now. as if Steve could ever let go of Tony Stark.

“I’m not going anywhere Tony.” Steve promised as Tony’s body went limp in his arms. The other boy began to snore ever so softly and Steve’s whole body relaxed with each little exhale.

-

When Tony woke up, he was still being held in Steve’s arms. He was safe and his back actually felt better. Still painful but at least it was bearable now. sunlight was streaming in through the windows of Steve’s bedroom, revealing just how simple Steve’s room was. Steve’s jaw was slack and open, his head tilted to the side. His body was still propped up against the headboard, leaning rather than laying and a wave of guilt washed through Tony. What had he done to deserve Steve’s help? How would he ever repay Steve for this? Tony was aware that he literally owed Steve his life, and he had no idea as to how he would repay that debt.

“You’re staring.” The words barely passed through Steve’s lips but Tony’s entire body tensed up.

“sorry.” He mumbled and Steve chuckled, his whole body moved with the little laugh.

“good morning.” Steve mumbled and Tony couldn’t stop the small smile that formed on his lips.

“Good morning.” He’d woken up in Steve’s bed, in Steve’s arms. And for half a moment, Tony let himself consider what life would be like if he and Steve were together. What life would be like if he could do this every day. But he didn’t let the thought go much further, thoughts like that would only break his heart.

“feeling better?” Tony nodded, not wanting to move from the warmth of Steve and his bed but knowing he would have to soon.

“Yes I am actually, thank you.” Steve nodded and then he started to sit up. Tony backed away but Steve’s hand reached out, fingers grabbing onto Tony’s.

“good.” Steve’s blue eyes met Tony’s and he inhaled sharply.

“and you?” Tony asked and the corner of Steve’s mouth twitched upwards.

“Good.” He said and Tony nodded, not daring break the eye contact. They really were the prettiest blue eyes that Tony had ever seen in his entire life, they were unbelievably blue. His brain short circuiting by the fact that his skin was touching Steve, they were holding hands.

“Good.” Tony echoed, his mind racing with a thousand other things he could say, but unsure of what was the right thing to say first.

“Are you hungry?” Steve asked and Tony’s stomach growled in answer. At that, Steve tipped his head back and let out a laugh.

“No?” Tony said and Steve raised a brow, amusement lit up his eyes and it tugged at Tony’s heartstrings. Why was Steve so nice?

“your stomach says otherwise. I’ll make you some soup.” Tony shook his head in protest, his heart pounded at the mere thought.

“it’s fine Steve, save your own food for you.” Steve just rolled his eyes and pulled away, exiting the room and leaving Tony alone.

-

Steve heated up the chicken and vegetable soup and put some bread in the toaster. His mother had always made him this whenever he was sick, but did Tony’s injury equal sick? Was Steve trying too hard? All he’d known when he woke up was that he could feel Tony watching him and that he hadn’t wanted to ever let go of Tony’s body. Had wanted to stay in bed, with Tony in his arms for the rest of his life. And that was only mildly terrifying since Steve barely even knew Tony. But maybe going through what they had done last night had changed something. Had brought them together. As soon as the bread had turned into toast, Steve put on heaps of butter and cut it up into thin strips. He put the soup in a bowl and set it down on the counter.

“Tony?” he murmured, entering his room and finding Tony surveying his back in Steve’s mirror.

“it looks better.” He mumbled, blushing slightly and Steve nodded, his stomach twisted into knots.

“yeah it does. Your soup is ready.” Tony nodded and followed Steve to the kitchen. Steve sat him down on the couch, grabbed some fluffy blankets and wrapped Tony up into them. He then handed Tony his soup and Tony just stared at it.

“Who knew you were such a mother hen?” Tony asked, a smirk was splayed on his lips and Steve just rolled his eyes.

“just eat your soup.” Steve grumbled and Tony laughed, it put Steve’s mind at ease just hearing the sound. He’s okay now. Steve told himself and was startled by how much comfort that brought him. He was most definitely in some deep shit then, if he was so worried about Tony’s wellbeing.

When Peter woke up the next morning, the house was a flurry of movement; Morgan played with her dolls, blissfully unaware of what was going on. But downstairs Tony was vacuuming and Steve was preparing something in the kitchen. it took Peter a moment too long to realised that someone was coming over.

“Morning Pete!” Tony called, turning off the vacuum cleaner and grinning.

“Morning sirs, who is coming over?” Peter mumbled, still half asleep. A heartbeat later he realised his slip up and Peter took a step backwards, he shouldn’t have asked. “Sorry sirs, you don’t have to tell me.” Peter stuttered, nervously glancing up at Steve who didn’t look up from the flour he was measuring.

“it’s just some family friends.” Tony said and Peter nodded, keeping his eyes down at the floor. He could feel Tony watching him and it made Peter wish he had the ability to turn invisible, to simply disappear.

“oh, okay.” Peter murmured, starting to back away.

“You alright Pete?” Tony asked and now Peter could feel Steve’s attention on him too, the hair on the back of his neck stood up.

“Fine.” He started to back away, to make his escape when Steve spoke.

“Why don’t you help me make these brownies? They were my mother’s recipe and I know you’ll love them.” Steve said and Peter’s entire body tensed up as anxiety flooded his system.

“Oh uh, okay can I get dressed first sir?” Steve nodded, eyes studying Peter.

“Sure, whenever you’re ready.” Peter nodded before heading back upstairs to change out of his brand new pyjamas into some brand new clothes. Everything in his life was so shiny and pristine and new. He’d heard several kids whispering about it in the hallways and in his classes at school. The new phone, clothes, backpack, shoes, all of it. Flash had glared at him all week, had even tried to provoke Peter into fighting. But his body still ached with every movement and Peter wasn’t stupid enough to take the bait. Peter got dressed, he’d shower later. Peter’s main goal now was to make sure he didn’t piss off Steve and he was pretty sure that Tony had noticed how much he’d pulled back, turned inward. Peter had let his guard down for a minute, let these people in, he was foolish in thinking that they’d be any different from the Thompson’s. they were all the same, violent and cruel. The difference was that the Thompson’s had been honest about it.

-

“is it just me or is Peter acting different?” Steve asked as soon as he had disappeared back upstairs. Tony rose a brow and made his way over, lifting one of Steve’s hands and pressing his lips against the knuckles.

“he’s been different.” Tony murmured and a shot of guilt flashed through Steve.

“You know I didn’t mean to get violent right?” Steve whispered and Tony nodded.

“He’s not sure what to think of us anymore, and that’s okay. It’ll just take time before he remembers that we aren’t going to hurt him.” Tony murmured but it only made Steve feel worse.

“He was finally starting to adjust and I ruined it, didn’t I?” Tony shook his head.

“No sweetheart, you haven’t done anything wrong. it’s going to be fine.” Tony promised but still the guilt reverberated through Steve, he needed to make things right with Peter.

“what should I say to him? To make things good again?” Tony shook his head and took a step back.

“Stevie he’ll come around eventually but if you try and force it he’ll just pull further away. Just let it happen on his terms alright?” Steve nodded, knowing that Tony was right but hating that that was his only option.

“I hate that I’m the screwup.” Steve whispered and Tony groaned.

-

It broke Tony’s heart when Steve got like this, he hadn’t seen Steve in this headspace for a while now and it scared Tony to see him like this today.

“you are not the screwup. You are the glue that holds this family together alright?” Tony murmured and Steve nodded but wouldn’t meet his eyes.

“Do you want me to organise an appointment with the therapist?” Tony asked and Steve nodded after a moment.

“Okay.” Steve whispered and Tony nodded as a sense of relief washed through him. Good, therapy was good for Steve. Kept the PTSD and anxiety at bay during the rough times. Tony stood up on his tip toes and pressed his lips against Steve’s wrapping his arms around his husband’s neck. Steve’s hands came to rest on Tony’s waist, pulling him closer. There was a cough behind them and Tony pulled back, turning to see Peter who had gone bright red.

“sir?” he asked, motioning to Steve’s brownie concoction.

“I’ll leave the two of you to it.” Tony said and went upstairs to check up on Morgan, giving Peter and Steve the alone time they needed to repair their relationship.

-

“You alright Pete?” Steve asked, watching Peter as he mixed the ingredients together. Peter’s stomach clenched at the sound but he nodded his head, pretending like he was perfectly fine.

“I’m fine sir. After this is done I’ll go upstairs while your friends are over. I swear that they won’t even know I’m here.” Peter said and risked a nervous glance to Steve who frowned.

“Why would I want you to hide up in your room?” at that, Peter shrugged. Every time Mr Thompson had told him to hide out in his room, Peter has asked himself that exact question but had never come up with an answer. But it had been necessary for Peter’s survival so he hadn’t argued.

“I’ll just study, it’s fine sir.” Peter lied even though he didn’t want to have to hide out in his room. But maybe it would be safer. Mr Thompson had been more prone to violence when drinking, Steve seemed to be the same. Was he planning on drinking today?

“Pete we want you to be a part of today. I want you there alright? You’re a part of this family now.” Steve murmured, his voice soothing and gentle. Peter wanted to believe it, wanted to relax around Steve. He hated how uncomfortable he felt now, but what was he supposed to do? If he let down his walls he’d just end up hurt again.

“Okay sir.” Peter said because there was nothing else to say. His heart was hammering inside of his chest and his mind racing a million miles an hour. You’re a part of this family now. but then his mind flashed back to Steve’s bloody and swollen fists and a wave of discomfort rolled through Peter again. He couldn’t let his guard down here, he couldn’t trust the Stark-Rogers’ he needed to get out of here before he got hurt.

-

There was a loud knock at the front door that sent a grin onto Steve’s face. He turned just in time to see Morgan bolting for the front door and swinging it open to reveal Bucky.

“Uncle Bucky!” he immediately bent down and scooped her up into his arms, crushing her against his chest.

“dragă!” Bucky said and she giggled at the familiar nickname. He moved inside the house and his grin grew larger when his eyes landed on Steve.

“Hey Stevie!” he said, his voice light and laced with laughter as Morgan clung to him. It warmed his heart to see his daughter in his best friend’s arms.

“Hey Buck.” Buck wrapped his free arm around Steve in an odd half-hug, and then they separated.

“Tony.” Bucky winked and Tony chuckled.

“How was the drive?”

“Good, long, but totally worth it.” he glanced at Morgan who giggled.

“Can’t believe my daughter stole my best friend.” Steve grumbled and Tony let out a laugh.

“honey you’ve got to let that go.” Steve scoffed and Bucky rose a brow.

“Sorry Stevie, but dragă’s the only one for me.” Bucky shrugged and Tony pursed his lips together.

“You have to meet Peter!” Morgan insisted and Bucky’s head whipped towards Morgan.

“Peter?” he all but shrieked, looking back to Steve.

“Your competition for her affections.” Tony said and Steve saw Bucky’s eyes widen dramatically, sending Morgan into a fit of giggles.

“dragă?” Bucky asked and Morgan giggled.

“Princess why don’t you go get Peter while we talk to your uncle.” Steve said and she nodded. Bucky put her down and she took off back upstairs.

“What’s going on?” Bucky asked and Tony moved beside Steve, taking Steve’s hand.

“The social worker who led us to Morgan made a call asking if we’d take in an emergency placement.” He rose his brows and nodded.

“So you’ve taken in another kid?” he asked and Steve shook his head.

“Peter’s a teenager.” Now Bucky seemed shocked, looking back and forth between Steve and Tony.

“A teenager?” they nodded and Steve tensed up, preparing to defend any objections that Bucky may have to Peter.

“Peter’s lovely.” Tony murmured and Bucky scowled.

“I can’t believe I’ve already lost Morgan to a teenage boy.” Bucky grumbled and Steve laughed. Tipped his head back and let it rumble out of him.

“That’s what that reaction was?” Steve asked and Bucky’s scowl deepened. Then he was laughing and Tony joined them, the laughter subsided and Buck shook his head.

“How is it with a teenager?” Steve and Tony shared a look, it had certainly been a bumpy ride so far-but that was not Peter’s fault.

“It’s not what we expected, but he’s a really good kid.” Tony murmured and Steve nodded in agreement.

“So when are you adopting him?” Bucky asked with a raised brow and Steve shook his head. They’d agreed that they weren’t going to say anything, not until it was official.

“dammit Barnes, as soon as we can get the papers drawn up.” Tony grumbled and Bucky chuckled. Morgan returned moments later, a frown on her face.

“Peter said that his side was hurting again.” The smile’s dropped from Steve and Tony’s faces and they made their way back upstairs, Morgan and Bucky on their heels.

-

Peter groaned on the bed, his stitches were burning and his body shuddering.

“Pete?” it was Steve who spoke and Peter’s body tensed. Shit.

“I’m fine sir.” Peter murmured and flinched when Steve’s hand came to rest on his shoulder.

“No you’re not, what’s wrong?” Peter shook his head, he didn’t want to upset Steve.

“I’m fine! Seriously!” Peter insisted and Steve pulled back, looking more hurt now.

“Pete?” he asked, voice gentle and soft and Peter squeezed his eyes shut.

“Can I take a look at it?” Tony asked and Peter nodded. When his shirt was lifted someone gasped and Tony sighed.

“have you been taking your antibiotics and using the antibacterial wash?” Peter shook his head.

“Why not?” Steve asked, a hint of irritation in his tone that made Peter cringe.

“I didn’t want to waste it on myself. I thought it would be better if we had it here already in case one of you got injured sirs.” Peter explained and Tony sighed.

“Peter we would have bought more medication in that instance, alright? Please take your medication.” Peter nodded, opening his eyes to see the unfamiliar stranger. The man was built like a brick, solid muscles and oh so very tall.

“this is uncle bucky.” Morgan said and Peter attempted to smile but was intimidated by the man.

“Hello sir.” Peter managed and Bucky’s brows furrowed slightly.

“you can just call me Bucky.” Peter looked down at his hands, it was a trap, a punishment waiting to happen as soon as he was informal towards the guest.

“thank you sir.” Peter said and Bucky scrunched up his nose.

“we should probably get this barbecue started Stevie, Nat’s going to be hungry when she gets in.”

“Aunt Tasha’s coming?” Morgan’s eyes practically popped out of her head and Bucky scrunched up his face.

“I’m guessing that was supposed to be a surprise?” he asked and Steve nodded.

“Way to blow it.” there was an ease in his voice, a lightness that should have been comforting but the words put Peter one edge.

“We’ll meet you downstairs in a minute. “ Tony said as the others exited Peter’s room.

“sir?” Peter asked, sitting upright.

“Please take your medication Peter, and use the antibacterial wash alright?” Peter nodded, not wanting to look at Tony.

“Okay sir.”

“And are things alright with you and Steve?” Peter nodded, his mind flashing back to the night he’d first met Steve and Tony, when he’d seen Steve jab Tony in the elbow.

“Fine sir.” Peter said and Tony frowned.

“you’re not lying to me are you Peter?” Tony asked and Peter hesitated only a moment before shaking his head.

“You do not need to worry about me sir.” Peter assured him and Tony sighed.

“Peter, it’s our job to worry about you now alright?” he nodded but didn’t move, held his breath and counted the seconds before he had to exhale.

“I’m fine sir. I promise.” Peter swore but Tony just rose a brow. But he mercifully didn’t subject Peter to anymore questions, just nodded his head.

“Let’s get you fixed up.”

-

Eventually Peter and Tony came back downstairs, Peter looking better now.

“When’s aunt Tasha coming?” Morgan asked and as if she’d been summoned, there was a knock at the door. Tony opened it and Natasha strode in wearing black jeans, a leather jacket and high heeled boots. She held a basket in her hands which consisted of exotic chocolates, a teddy bear and a snow globe of the pyramids.

“Tasha!” Morgan cried, running towards Nat who set the basket aside to pull her in.

“Hi baby girl, how are you?” she asked, squeezing Morgan tightly. Steve glanced at Peter who was yet to be noticed by Nat but it was only a heartbeat later when a gasp fell from the woman’s lips.

“And who is this?” she asked as she straightened up, taking in Peter.

“It’s nice to meet you ma’am, I’m Peter.” He held out his hand and she ignored it, pulling him in for a tight hug. To Peter’s credit, he only winced slightly.

“And how do you know the Stark-Rogers family?” Natasha asked and Steve shifted his weight uncomfortably, stomach dropping out of him. Sometimes Nat could be as delicate as a freight train.

“We’re fostering him at the moment.” Tony said and her brows rose.

“I didn’t know you wanted another kid.” Her eyes darted between Tony and Steve, hurt and betrayal written all over her face.

“I was an emergency placement ma’am.” Peter said and her brows rose.

“what am I forty? You can call me aunty Tasha.” Nat told him and he nodded.

“Thank you ma’am.” Nat’s eyes met Bucky’s who simply shrugged, the room awfully quiet.

“if I had known I would have gotten you a present, I’m sorry Peter.” Nat said, filling up the silence that had filled the air. Peter just shook his head, retreating ever so slightly.

“Don’t worry about it ma’am.” Peter murmured, not even looking slightly disappointed.

“You can have the chocolates.” Morgan held the package out to him and Peter squatted down so he was eye-level.

“That’s your chocolate miss, but thank you for offering.” She pouted but didn’t argue, her sweet tooth getting the better of her.

-

Tony sent the email to Susan White on the PTA informing her that he would be unavailable for the bake sale tomorrow. Truth was that he and Steve had done enough damage to the Thompson’s for a week, Tony would get his own turn eventually.

“Daddy come quick!” Morgan’s voice rang out through the whole house and Tony followed it, finding her in the kitchen, Steve beside her and Bucky just out of Steve’s view with a phone in hand.

“What’s wrong?” Steve asked, eyes assessing her body for any injuries that she could have had.

“the flour is too heavy!” she pointed at the bowl on the counter and Steve rose a brow.

“The flour is too heavy?”

“Uncle Bucky asked if I could get him the flour and it’s too heavy!” her bottom lip quivered and Tony narrowed his eyes, she was good.

“it’s alright princess I can get it.” Steve turned and went to pick up the bowl but it didn’t budge. So he added a second hand and pulled, flour went flying and Tony let out a bark of laughter as Steve’s entire front was covered in flour. Morgan was wildly giggling and Bucky stepped out, shaking with laughter himself. Steve rose an unimpressed brow, shaking his head and stuck his tongue out at Bucky.

“Haha Barnes, you’re hilarious. Turning my own daughter against me, what’s next you’re going to go after Peter?” at that Bucky shrugged, a smirk splayed on his face.

“Might do.” Steve turned and his blue eyes met Tony’s alight with laughter.

“Did you have something to do with this?”

“No your best friend was the only adult corrupting our child, I was just a witness to her crimes.” Tony said and Morgan pouted at the words.

“Crimes?” Bucky asked and Tony nodded somberly, turning to the basket on the table.

“guess daddy and I will just have to eat these chocolates tonight.” Tony teased and Morgan rose a defiant brow.

“No!” she shrieked, rushing over to Tony and wrapping her arms around his leg.

“tell me you love me the most and I wont.” Tony said and Bucky gasped.

“it’s a trap, dragă don’t do it.” Bucky pleaded but she was grinning up at Tony and he felt a smug sense of satisfaction roll through him as he knew he had won.

“I love you the second most daddy.” Tony’s eyes nearly popped out of his head and Bucky, the smug asshole, lost it laughing.

“mmhmm.” Tony said but handed her the chocolates anyway because she was too adorable to resist.

“let’s go see what aunt Tasha’s up to.” Tony said, taking Morgan’s hand and leading her away. He got the feeling that Steve wanted to talk to Bucky today, alone.

-

As soon as they were gone Steve began to wash the flour off of his face.

“She’s such a cute kid.”

“was this her idea?” Steve asked and Bucky nodded, sitting down on a bar stool.

“Absolutely, she’s so smart that it’s insane!” he shook his head and Steve nodded.

“How are you Buck?” Bucky’s smile slipped away and he shrugged.

“I’m alright, just try to keep busy with my job. How are you?” his eyes dropped down to Steve’s hands, they were still swollen and there were scabs on the knuckles.

“Peter’s last fosters were abusive, I mean you saw him. And last night at Tony’s boss’ birthday the guy was there and I just…”

“lost it?” Bucky asked softly and Steve nodded his head.

“I haven’t been like that since, well you know.” Bucky nodded his head.

“I know.” Steve had known Bucky since he was a teenager, they’d joined the military together and Bucky had seen Steve on his darkest of days. He knew how Steve could get if his mind went to a dark enough place.

“Is that why the kid is so jumpy around you?” Steve nodded, another wave of guilt crashed through him.

“I think so. God that makes me feel sick to think about. We were getting along and then I just blew it.” Steve shook his head, and Bucky pressed his lips together to form a thin and hard line.

“But you’re okay right? last night was just one incident?” Steve nodded, shifting uncomfortably.

“Of course Buck, I’m going to go take a shower now though, get this flour off of me.” and just like that the air was light again and Steve felt like he could breathe.

“Totally Morgan’s idea.” Bucky promised and Steve rolled his eyes.

“sure thing.” but as he started to walk away, his hands began to tremble just a little.

-

Tony was sitting alone in the living room, just taking a moment to himself when that moment was ruined by Bucky’s entrance.

“Tony can we talk?” No. Tony just wanted a moment of peace, a breath to recalibrate and put on his sociable and bubbly personality.

“what about?” Tony asked instead as Bucky sat down on the couch beside him.

“I’m worried about Steve.” At that, Tony squeezed his eyes shut. Bucky had been there since the beginning of Tony’s and Steve’s relationship, had been Steve’s best man at the wedding and had been in the court room when they adopted Morgan. Usually Tony and Bucky got along just as well as Steve and Bucky did, but there were still times when Bucky acted like a protective best friend who wasn’t sure if Tony was going to break Steve’s heart.

“He tell you about last night?” at that, Bucky nodded.

“mentioned it.”

“I’ve already emailed the therapist, he’s got an appointment on Thursday.” Tony said, staring up at the ceiling.

“He’s been having nightmares and panic attacks again, hasn’t he?”

“Maybe.” He’d had a couple, nowhere near as bad as when Tony had first married Steve. Steve was more in control of his mind now, he knew when the warning signs popped up.

“is it to do with Peter? Because if this is triggering him-“ Tony’s eyes snapped to Bucky and irritation flared in his gut.

“Now you’re overstepping.” He snarled as the anger and defensiveness rolled through him.

“this all started back up when you took Peter in right? he doesn’t look well and don’t tell me you haven’t noticed it, I know you have. And I’m sure Peter’s a good kid but if it’s harming Steve then-“

“That’s enough Bucky.” Tony snapped but Bucky wasn’t about to back down, it was quite the opposite and it was only irritating Tony more.

“don’t forget that I was there when Steve was at his worst, I don’t want to watch him go through with that again.”

“That is why I booked him in with the therapist.” Tony grumbled, a headache forming behind Tony’s eyes.

“are you sure that’s going to be enough?” no, Tony wasn’t sure. But he couldn’t doubt himself, he couldn’t doubt Steve. It had to be enough, Tony wasn’t sure what he’d do if it wasn’t.

When they’d gotten back from the mall Morgan had claimed that she was tired and had gone to bed for a nap. Steve and Tony had helped Peter set up his room, making his bed and hanging up his new clothes and setting up his lamps. Peter was still bewildered that he owned all of these things and then Tony had handed him the phone.

“almost forgot about this.” he joked and Peter stared at the sleek back screen, unsure of what to do with it. he didn’t really need a phone, there wasn’t really anyone other than Rhodey who he could call. And the only reason he’d ever called Rhodey was so that he could get out of the Thompson’s house. He’d called less and less over the last couple years, had stopped checking to see if anyone had been interested in adopting him. There was only so many ways Rhodey could tell Peter that no one wanted teenagers without actually saying that no one wanted teenagers. But the amount of almost calls to Rhodey that Peter had almost made, there must have been thousands of those. Times when he’d sat there in the dark and cold basement, curled up in a ball and clutching the phone, debating whether to call. Would it be better if he called? Worse? Usually it was worse, Rhodey didn’t have good news for him usually. Usually Peter would just be told to hold on for a few more days while Rhodey tried to pull him out.

“I really don’t need this sir.” Peter said, holding the phone out to Tony. But the man just shook his head, turning towards the stack of textbooks on Peter’s desk.

“you said there was a physics test coming up?” Peter nodded his head, dread filling his gut.

“unfortunately. I’m not really that good at physics either.” Usually it pissed Peter off.

“Want some help studying?” Peter nodded, heat creeping onto his cheeks.

“Yeah actually, that’d be great sir.” Peter wasn’t sure which name Tony preferred, he’d never really commented on it. so Peter was using them interchangeably, hoping that Tony really didn’t mind.

“Alright let’s get started then.”

-

Steve was checking the emails when he saw an email from one Mrs Susan White.

PTA.

“Tony!” he called and made his way upstairs, finding Tony in Peter’s room on the bed, hands moving as he spoke.

“Yes dear?”

“What’s this?” Steve held out the phone and Tony got to his feet, crossing the room to read the message.

“I joined the PTA.”

“Why?”

“am I not allowed to get involved with Peter’s school?” he asked and gave Steve an innocent smile. But the look in Tony’s eyes was anything but innocent. Peter watched them both nervously and Steve shook his head.

“Can you help me with dinner for five minutes sweetheart?” Steve asked and Tony only hesitated for a moment.

“Peter I’ll be back in a second alright?” he said but didn’t dare take his eyes off of Steve.

“Okay?” Peter sounded confused but Steve didn’t wait any longer, just marched back downstairs with his troublemaking husband trailing after him.

“What have you been plotting?” Steve asked once they reached the kitchen.

“Nothing.” Steve glared at Tony who sighed.

“This have anything to do with the Thompson’s?” Steve asked and grabbed out the chicken from the fridge.

“Maybe.”

“We can’t seek revenge on the Thompson’s Tony.” Steve said and Tony crossed his arms.

“you saw what they did to him Stevie, I’m just trying to right the wrongs.” Steve shook his head and Tony got out a chopping board.

“That’s not our job. We can talk to Rhodey and take the Thompson’s to court. I don’t know what you were planning on doing with the PTA but I want it to stop. We can’t put Peter through anything more.” Steve insisted and Tony sighed.

“can I at least make your mother’s brownies to put Rose Thompson to shame?” Tony asked, eyes wide and puppy like.

“I love you and I’m sorry to deprive you of this, but no. I will not let you use my mother’s brownies as a revenge plot.” Steve kissed the top of Tony’s head and Tony wrapped his arms around Steve’s torso.

“Why do you have to be such a party pooper?” Tony asked in a pouty voice and a laugh rumbled through Steve.

“you can still make brownies though, don’t forget we have Bucky and Nat coming over on Saturday.” Tony nodded his head and perked up a bit.

“Maybe we could teach Peter?” Steve smiled, a light blossoming inside of his chest.

“I’d really like that.” He admitted and Tony stood up on tip toes so he could press his lips against Steve’s.

“Thank you for making dinner, but I have to help Pete study for his physics test. I promise I won’t plot anything for at least another week.” Steve rose a brow.

“You sure you’ll be able to last that long?” Tony stuck his tongue out at Steve and then pulled away. Steve turned back to dinner, he liked the idea of teaching Peter how to make his mother’s brownies. They were the brownies that had won over Tony’s heart, maybe it would make Peter feel closer to them, make him feel like he was part of the family.

-

The week seemed to fly by for Peter, and he was finding himself fall into a routine. Which made him nervous, because that meant he was getting comfortable here. But then, he was going to be here for three months, so maybe it was okay if he got comfortable, cautiously comfortable. But before Peter knew it, it was Friday afternoon. He had to babysit Morgan tonight, and he was excited to get to hang out with her. But when Peter got to the parking lot, Tony’s car was nowhere in sight. He did a couple laps, just to be sure, but couldn’t find it. oh. Peter thought, suddenly deflating. He should have seen this coming. It had been stupid of him to think that he’d get consistent rides back to the house. So Peter started walking, he’d be late and they’d be mad if he hung around any longer. He only had four more week until summer break, and then he’d just be able to hang around at the house all the time. Clean the house. Peter corrected, he needed to start to repay the Stark-Rogers. He was about twenty minutes into the walk home when there was a car honking at him. He turned, hope flaring in his chest, and then deflated as he recognised the vehicle before him.

“Penis?” Flash asked, rolling down the window and raising a brow. Please no. Peter’s eyes moved from Flash to his father who was sitting in the driver’s seat, scowling.

“Peter.” His low deep voice rumbled from the car and Peter inhaled sharply.

“Hello sir.” His hands began to shake at his sides, he couldn’t run they’d just catch up to him.

“why don’t you get inside the car? I can take you home.” His voice was tight, Peter shook his head.

“No thank you sir, I could use the walk.” Peter lied and he narrowed his eyes.

“that wasn’t a request Peter.” Peter’s throat bobbed, his heart was pounding and mind racing. He needed to figure something out, and fast.

“I’m going to have to respectfully decline the offer, sir.” The phone in Peter’s pocket sat like a deadweight. All week he’d been trying to work up the courage to ask for Tony and Steve’s number, but every time the words had died in his throat. Mr Thompson curled his lip and Peter inhaled sharply, if there was ever a time to run, now would have been it. he was just about to do so when Tony’s car pulled up behind Mr Thompson’s, honking at him. Peter nearly collapsed with relief and then he was running to Tony’s car. He got in, slammed the door shut and locked it for good measure.

“Pete?” Tony asked but Peter just stared straight ahead, preying that Mr Thompson wouldn’t get out of his car.

“Can we just go please sir?”

-

It was the high whine in Peter’s voice that concerned Tony the most.

“Sure Petey.” He murmured and Peter glanced at him, a faint smile on his lips. Tony pulled away from the curb and glanced over to the man who had been driving the car, a scowl deeply set on his face.

“Who were you talking to?” Tony asked and Peter sank down low into his seat.

“No one sir, may I take a shower when we get back to your house sir?” Tony nodded, hands gripping the steering wheel a little tighter.

“Of course Pete.” And then the car was filled up with nothing but silence, even Morgan and her friend Penelope hadn’t dared to say a word.

-

Steve had told Tony time and time again that he was not allowed to plot anything against the Thompson’s. each time Steve said no, Tony would roll his eyes and nod. But as Steve tied his tie, and Tony told him about the car incident, Steve was starting to rethink this whole revenge plot thing.

“Are you sure it was the Thompson’s?” Steve asked and Tony nodded, stepping forward to fix Steve’s crooked tie.

“he was on edge the whole way home. He looked so relieved when I pulled up…” Tony trailed off and Steve nodded.

“We can talk to him about it when we get home tonight, do you want to give him the money for the pizza?” Steve asked and Tony nodded, stepping back.

“here, you talk to him.” Steve nodded, taking the money and making his way down to Peter’s room. He was sitting on his bed, staring down at his new phone with a frown on his face.

“Pete?” Steve said, knocking and leaning on the door frame.

“hey Mr Stark Rogers.” Peter said, but Steve could see that something was wrong. he seemed withdrawn, tense, and it broke Steve’s heart.

“I’m just dropping off the money for tonight, you can get whatever you want. Morgan and Penny might twist your arm to get a cookie but we’ve got ice cream in the freezer.” Peter nodded his head, still not removing his eyes from his phone.

“okay, thanks sir.” Steve winced and stepped into the room, dropping the money on his desk.

“Are you alright?” Peter nodded but still wouldn’t look at Steve.

“was it the Thompson’s in that other car?” he didn’t move at first, but then his head lifted and his eyes met Steve’s.

“he wanted me to get in his car and I don’t know what I would’ve done if Mr Stark Rogers hadn’t shown up in time.” Peter’s voice was hoarse and Steve sat down on the bed beside Peter, pulling him to his chest.

“it’s going to be alright Petey, he’s never going to hurt you ever again.” Steve promised and Peter nodded his head as Steve stroked his hair. Once again Steve was filled with anger, he’d make the Thompson’s pay for this. it was bullshit that a sixteen year old was so traumatised, all because of those assholes.

“I was wondering if I could have your phone numbers sir? Just in case I need your help?” his voice trembled with each word and Steve inhaled sharply.

-

He was asking for too much and he knew it. but for the first time Peter felt like he could depend on someone, like there were people he could rely on. But he pulled out of Steve’s embrace turning his face away and heart shattering inside of his chest.

“Actually don’t worry about it, I’ll be fine.” Peter said all too quickly, staring at the wall. But then he could hear clicking and when he turned back Steve was typing a number into his phone.

“that’s Tony’s, you can add a photo later.” Steve said then pressed a few more buttons, he then opened up the camera, sticking out his tongue, puffing out his cheeks and making his eyes cross. Peter couldn’t help but crack a smile.

“Don’t make me regret taking that Pete.” Steve joked and Peter nodded, relief flooding his veins.

“Thank you Mr Stark Rogers.” And Steve nodded, patting Peter’s leg twice before standing up.

“Well Tony and I should get going, we’ll be home late unfortunately but if you send me a text now I can let you know when we’re coming home.” Peter nodded, glad that Steve hadn’t rejected him.

“Thank you Mr Stark Rogers.” Peter repeated and Steve nodded before exiting his room. In the hall, Peter saw Tony walk up to Steve in a suit, they were wearing matching blue ties.

“Looking good sweetheart.” Steve said with a faint smile on his lips.

“I know, I know, uber’s outside,” Tony turned and winked at Peter. “Bye Pete.” And then they were gone. Peter looked back at his phone and at the photo of Steve, warmth blossoming in his chest. Maybe if he kept this up, babysitting Morgan and if he helped out around the house, maybe if he was good enough, they’d keep him around for longer than three months.

-

When they arrived the party was as boring as Steve had predicted. They made the rounds, saying hello to Tony’s co-workers and Steve gave everyone polite smiles but no conversation was made with him. The first seven or eight people Steve tried to talk to, but it was clear that no one had any interest in talking to Steve.

“You doing okay?” Tony asked once they were finally alone for a moment of peace.

“Well you just know how much I love these things.” Steve grumbled and Tony pouted.

“I know honey, but it’s only a few more hours.” Tony promised and Steve nodded.

“I know.” He could feel the eyes on him, sense the thoughts running through their heads. Tony made a lot of money in this job with the numbers and it was clear that everyone here thought Steve was nothing more than some dumb blonde who had punched well above his payrate. He’d been lucky to have Tony fall in love with him, even luckier when Tony had accepted Steve’s proposal. But no one saw Steve the way Tony did, and Steve hated these things for that reason.

“just think of all the ice cream we can eat when we get home.” Tony murmured and Steve nodded, a smile tugging at his lips.

“fine. And I spoke to Peter, it was the Thompson’s in the other car.” Tony scrunched up his face, his lips curling.

“we’re going to have to call Rhodey tomorrow about this.” Tony said and Steve nodded.

“yeah, god I just hope we can adopt him.” Tony nodded his head, his face softening.

“Me too.”

“He’s just such a good kid and I find myself getting more and more attached each day.” Tony nodded taking Steve’s hand and squeezing.

“I feel the same. But we do have to be careful, Rhodey hasn’t given us the all clear.” Steve gritted his teeth. That he didn’t want to think about.

“Tony!” they turned at the sound of Tony’s boss’ voice. Nicky Fury himself stood before them, smile a little too wide.

“Hey boss.” And then Nick turned to the man beside him, smile widening even more.

“This is my good friend Harrison Thompson.” Tony’s face said it all, went a shade too white, his smile vanishing and his hands curling into fists.

“You were Peter’s old foster.” Tony said instantly and Harrison nodded his head.

“That is correct, how is Peter doing? My wife, Rose, and I miss him so much i-“ one second Steve was holding Tony’s hand and listening, the next second there was an awful crunch and Harrison’s body falling to the floor.

“Steve!” but Steve was on the man in an instant. A rage he hadn’t felt since he’d been in the military rose within him, as his mind flashed back to the gash in Peter’s side and all the bruises on his body. The cuts, the broken ribs, the trauma. It all fuelled Steve’s rage.

Crack.

Steve’s fists were bleeding but he couldn’t stop and then there were hands on him, pulling him up and away. Steve tried to fight against the security guards but their hold was tight and they escorted him out of the building.

-

Peter had walked into Morgan’s room, ready to ask what she wanted for dinner but only to find her crying.

“Miss what’s wrong?”

“Penny’s says she wants to go home and I don’t know her mom’s number and-“ Peter’s eyes widened and his heart hammered in his chest.

“why does she want to go home miss?” Peter asked and looked to the other little girl who was facing the wall.

“she says she’s bored.” Peter rose his brows, looking around the room and spotting the dolls.

“Why don’t you play dolls.”

“dolls are for babies.” Penelope said and Peter bit his lip, Morgan visibly more upset by that statement.

“No they’re not, I’m sixteen and I know plenty of girls who still play dolls.” Peter lied and Penelope turned from the wall, scowling.

“Like who?” crap.

“MJ.” Peter blurted out of nowhere.

“really?” Peter nodded, hoping that this little kid didn’t actually know MJ.

“totally, and your mom is picking you up in three hours anyway.” Peter said and the girls both perked up a bit.

“Okay.” Peter nodded, fiddling with the cash in his hand.

“What pizza do you want?” he asked and the girls shared a mischievous glance.

“Hawaiian pizza and cookies!” they cried in unison and Peter rose a brow. Steve had warned him of this.

“Really? Well I’ll get the Hawaiian pizza, and if you two behave you might get some ice cream.” They both nodded eagerly, caving into Peter’s offer. Peter grinned, feeling victorious and went downstairs so he could call the pizza place.

-

Tony was quiet for the first twenty minutes in the cab ride home, then he turned in his seat so he could look at Steve. The man was cradling his swollen hand, watching Tony nervously, guilt written all over his face. There was blood on his white shirt.

“So, Steven.” Steve gulped.

“I’m sorry.”

“For?”

“For embarrassing you in front of your co-workers.”

“and?”

“and for embarrassing your boss.”

“And?”

“and for ruining our night.”

“And?”

“and for not being able to last until cake.” Tony rose a brow and Steve clenched his teeth together.

“and?”

“I’m not going to apologise for hitting that asshole Tony.”

“that’s not what I’m mad about.” If he had been sorry then Tony would have been mad, he was glad that Steve wasn’t sorry. Honestly Tony wished he’d gotten to throw a punch.

“then what are you mad about?” Steve asked and Tony narrowed his eyes, leaning forward.

“we will not seek revenge on the Thompson’s Tony. You will not use my mother’s brownies as a part of your sinister plot Tony. We will be polite to the Thompson’s Tony. We will take the Thompson’s to court and sort things out there Tony.” Tony made his voice slightly deeper so he was mimicking Steve’s and Steve looked down at the floor.

“I’m sorry.” He whispered and Tony nodded, eyeing Steve’s hand.

“I forgive you.”

“I haven’t been that angry since…” Steve trailed off and Tony took his hand, he winced ever so slightly but held Tony’s hand back.

“the military?” Steve nodded, eyes glazing over.

“do you want to start seeing a therapist again?” Steve shuddered, shrugging.

“I don’t know. I thought I had this under control, but seeing that man and knowing what he had done to Peter.” Tony nodded, rubbing his spare hand between Steve’s shoulder blades.

“He had it coming Steve, I love you okay?” Steve’s head whipped towards Tony, tears in his eyes.

“How?” he whispered and Tony’s heart broke for Steve a little.

“because you are the kindest man I have ever known.” Tony whispered and leaned forward, brushing his lips against Steve’s.

“how can you say that after tonight?” Steve whispered, leaning his forehead against Tony’s.

“you beat up an abusive asshole, it’s a shame we’re going back home to our kids because I must admit that you are looking mighty fine right now Mr Stark Rogers.” Tony whispered and Steve quirked a brow.

“You don’t look so bad yourself.” Tony’s lips met Steve’s again and Steve deepened the kiss, the both of them melting into it. when they finally pulled back for air, Steve seemed to have calmed down a little.

“I love you Tony.” He whispered and Tony grinned.

“you’re such a dork Stevie.” He muttered, shaking his head but blushing anyway.

“and I’m sorry I ruined our night.” Tony turned back to Steve, a smile on his lips.

“Stevie you didn’t ruin anything. Watching you hit that guy was the most entertaining thing I’ve ever seen at those parties.” Tony promised and Steve nodded, his grip tightening on Tony’s hand ever so slightly.

“okay.” He whispered and tony nodded, but concern rolled through his gut. He could sense the anxiety rolling off of Steve in waves and Tony made a mental note to make some ice when they got home, just in case Steve had a panic attack.

-

Peter was halfway through a slice when the door opened and shut.

“we’re home!” Tony called out and then they appeared, Steve looking worse for wear.

“Daddy?” Morgan asked, eyeing the blood on Steve’s shirt.

“Daddy’s alright princess. Did Peter give you ice cream?” she nodded her head eagerly, the sugar high still hadn’t worn off.

“I’m guessing Penny’s gone?” Tony asked and again Morgan nodded eagerly.

“Yeah.”

“did you have fun?” Tony asked, grabbing out a bag of frozen peas.

“I guess. She said dolls were for babies but then Peter told us about his girlfriend and-“ Tony and Steve’s heads whipped towards Peter and his eyes widened. He finished chewing the pizza and swallowed, heart rate spiking.

“I don’t have a girlfriend.” He said and Morgan scowled.

“MJ, the one who plays with dolls?” Peter shook his head, this was why lying was bad. It always came back and bit you on the ass.

“She’s just a classmate, she is not my girlfriend.” Peter insisted and they nodded.

“If you say so.” Tony said and handed Steve the peas. That was when Peter saw how busted up Steve’s hands were.

“what happened?”

“We ran into Mr Thompson at the party and Steve lost his cool.” Peter’s brows rose and Steve hung his head in shame.

“Oh.”

“yeah oh.” Tony said pointedly and Peter eyes Steve’s hands again. He wondered what Flash would say at school on Monday.

“I’m sorry Peter but knowing what he did to you, I-“ Peter shook his head, unsure on how to feel.

“No it’s alright sir, you didn’t do anything wrong.” but then, why did Peter feel so icky on the inside?

Peter’s heart was hammering inside of his chest as they made their way to the living room. It had to be the hospital bill, that’s what had done this. he should’ve been better at concealing his wounds, he’d let his guard down in that moment with Tony and Steve. He was having a panic attack and they had been comforting him and he’d let his guard down. Dammit. How was it that Peter could get himself kicked out of the first good home that he was sent to? How had he been such an idiot? Tony sat down on the couch, Steve beside him and they both stared at him.

“sit down Pete.” Tony said and Peter did so slowly, his palms growing sweaty. As selfish as it was, Peter wondered if he’d at least be able to keep the elephant that Morgan had given him, but he knew how unlikely that was. It would go back to their precious and perfect daughter and Peter would go back to the Thompson’s basement, and the world would go back to normal.

“I’m so sorry about the hospital bill, I promise I’ll pay you back.” Please don’t kick me out. Peter put the elephant beside him and sat down on his hands so they wouldn’t see him shaking, wouldn’t show them how much he’d loved it here. How much he’d thought they had maybe potentially cared.

“this isn’t about the bill and I don’t want you to worry about that.” Tony began to dig through his pockets and Peter looked down at the floor, heart hammering inside his chest. But we are going to be sending you back, you’re just too much trouble. we don’t want our perfect daughter exposed to your freakishness. We don’t want her to see such violence at such a young age, maybe we could visit sometime. But they wouldn’t visit, old fosters never do. They just leave the kid to rot, hoping the next family can straighten the child out. Peter thought he was used to this conversation, used to people telling him that they didn’t want him anymore, but he could already feel the tears welling up in his eyes as he waited for the words.

“What is this?” Peter raised his hand and inhaled sharply to see the tiny lump of soap he’d gotten from school. He’d go to the school nurse once every couple of weeks to get a bar of soap for his “friend”. The nurse most definitely new that there was no friend but knew better than to push for more information.

“Soap sir.” Peter swallowed, the room was starting to spin and he wanted to disappear. He just wanted this part over, wanted to go back upstairs and pretend to pack up his things and then be back at Rhodey’s office. He didn’t want to be here in this moment any more.

“This is dollar store soap.” Tony said and Peter nodded, it wasn’t like the school bought fancy soap that they just gave out to students for free.

“it’s my soap sir.” Peter said and tony rose an unimpressed brow.

“why didn’t you use the bar of soap that was already in the shower?” Peter had seen it and had been tempted, but knew better than to use their things.

“Because that’s your soap sir.” He said and they shared a look.

“did you bring this from the Thompson’s?” Steve asked and Peter nodded, looking away at a picture on the wall. They were at the beach, Morgan on Steve’s shoulders and Tony making a silly face at her. Someone else must have taken the photo.

“It wasn’t their soap sir.” Peter said defensively, he hadn’t stolen anything from them. Hadn’t dared.

“Then where did you get it?”

“School nurse sir.” Peter’s fear was turning into anger, his defence mechanisms kicking in.

“alright well from here on out I want you to use our soap, okay?” Peter’s head whipped towards them and his heart leapt up into his throat.

“you’re not kicking me out?” his voice wobbled and both of their faces softened, relief was washing through Peter.

“of course not, why would you even think that?” Steve asked and Peter let his eyes fall shut.

“I thought with the hospital bills and seeing what I looked like, maybe you wouldn’t want someone like me around Morgan.” Peter admitted and heard one of them inhale sharply.

-

This kid was going to break Tony Stark-Rogers’ heart. Hearing the crack in his voice, seeing the way his eyes had darted around the room and knowing he’d thought they were going to kick him out through this whole conversation broke Tony’s heart. He took Steve’s hand and squeezed, it felt like the air had been sucked out of the room.

“Peter we are here for you and we are going to support you. you haven’t scared us away if that’s what you’re worried about.” Tony said and he opened his eyes, tears welled up.

“Really?” Steve and Tony moved in one swift motion to his side, wrapping their arms around him, Tony rested his head on Peter’s shoulder.

“You’re not going anywhere. I spoke to Rhodey yesterday while you were sleeping and I asked him if we could extend your stay.” At that, Peter stilled in their arms.

“What?”

“You’re going to stay with us for three months, if that’s alright with you?” Peter nodded and joy rushed through the three of them.

“I’d love that sir.” Peter whispered. Tony and Steve squeezed him a little tighter and Peter relaxed in their embrace.

“Great, now why don’t you go upstairs and get changed into some clean clothes and I’ll reheat some dinner while Steve does the washing.” Tony said, pulling back and Peter nodded. They helped him up off of the couch and then Tony made his way to the kitchen. he watched as Peter walked passed, his gangly and too-thin limbs. He wondered how often the kid had gotten a full meal if he had to get soap from the school. Tony made a mental note to put more food on Peter’s plate, just to be safe.

-

Peter dumped three of his four outfits into the washing basket Steve held in his hands.

“You were wearing that on Thursday, why don’t you change into something else?” Steve asked and Peter looked away, shit.

“I can’t.”

“Why?” Steve asked, worry in his voice. He began to ask Peter questions, about whether that had something to do with his injuries but Peter cut him off.

“This is all I have Mr Stark Rogers.” Peter admitted at long last and Steve fell silent for a moment.

“You’ve dumped like three shirts in here.”

“I only have four shirts and two pairs of jeans.” Peter said and Steve’s hands tightened on the basket.

“Oh, okay. Well we can take you shopping for new clothes tomorrow.” Steve’s voice was a notch too high but Peter shook his head.

“I can’t afford new clothes Mr Stark-Rogers.”

“That’s alright, we can pay.” And Steve walked back downstairs before Peter could argue with him. Peter stayed there for a long moment and took a few deep breaths, this family was too nice, too good to be true. They want to keep me. the thought was startling, he didn’t quite believe it. the idea that Steve and Tony could want Peter around was insane. But they had extended his stay, and that meant more to Peter than he’d ever be able to explain.

-

“Tony he needs new clothes.” Tony’s brain was too distracted by Steve, hair perfectly tousled and washing basket propped on his hip. There was a light stubble from too many days gone by without shaving that Tony was finding irresistibly attractive.

“What?” Tony asked and Steve rolled his eyes but a smile tugged at his lip.

“Peter needs new clothes. He has four t-shirts which are practically held together by a single thread.” Steve put the basket down on the kitchen counter to lift up one of Peter’s shirts and it did look extremely rumpled and worn.

“stop drooling for a minute.” Steve told him, Tony scrunched up his face and stuck out his tongue. Steve rose a brow and Tony sighed, stepping closer and reaching out to touch the material. It was rough, old and scratchy.

“I had planned for a shopping trip this weekend but we were a little busy.” Tony said and Steve nodded, silence filling the space between them. Then there were footsteps coming down the stairs, too heavy to be Morgan’s. Tony handed Steve back the shirt and Steve carried the dirty washing away before Peter entered the room. He offered Tony the smallest of smiles and slid onto one of the bar stools at the kitchen island.

“how are you feeling?” Tony asked and Peter scratched the back of his head.

“Permission to speak freely sir?” Peter asked and it took all of Tony’s might not to last.

“We’re not in the military Peter, of course you can.” Peter nodded, staring down at his hands.

“Tired, hungry and a little stressed.”

“Why stressed?” Tony asked, leaning on the island across from him and Peter looked back up to meet Tony’s eyes.

“I’ve got a lot of homework and I haven’t started any of it and I’m already so far behind in all of my classes because there wasn’t many opportunities to study back at the Thompson’s and-“ Tony reached out and placed his hand over the top of Peter’s, offering him a gentle smile.

“It’s alright Peter, I’ll help you out.” Tony said and Peter’s eyes widened.

“Really?” Tony nodded, hoping that it wasn’t English.

“of course, what subject do you need help with the most right now?” Peter scratched the back of his head, the nerves practically radiated from him.

“Chemistry.” Relief flooded through Tony’s veins. Thank god.

“chemistry is like a second language, why don’t you get your homework after dinner and we can work through some of it tonight?” Tony asked softly and Peter beamed at him.

“Thank you Mr Stark-Rogers.” Peter’s voice was barely above a whisper. Tony grinned, he had finally upgraded from sir. The oven dinged and Tony turned around, ready to dish up the meal and spend some quality time with Peter.

-

When Peter woke up the sun was shining through the window and his body was sore. He was curled up on the floor, ribs throbbing and Steve’s face just above his own.

“Pete why are you on the floor?” Steve asked and Peter blinked several times, wishing his vision would clear.

“the bed is yours.” Peter mumbled, sitting up and rolling his shoulders.

“actually me bed is in my room with Tony, this bed is yours.” Peter’s heart leapt up into his throat and his head spun towards Steve.

“really?”

“Yeah Pete.” Steve chuckled and helped Peter up to his feet. He walked over to his phone which was only on twelve percent, the screen was cracked and it was so outdated that the phone had actual buttons. 10:13 was what the time read and Peter’s eyes widened.

“um Mr Stark Rogers?” Peter turned back to Steve who was frowning at Peter’s phone.

“Yeah?”

“is the clock wrong or is it really ten-thirteen?” Peter asked nervously and Steve scratched the back of his head.

“I hope we didn’t overstep our boundaries, but Tony and I thought you could use a day off given the weekend you had.” Peter blinked, a day off?

“oh, what chores do you want me to do today?” Peter asked, Steve shook his head.

“no chores Pete, we’re taking you shopping.” Steve said and Peter tilted his head to the side.

“I don’t understand.”

“Tony called in sick to work and I don’t have class on Monday’s, even Morgan’s being fake-sick today. We’re going to take you out and get you some proper clothes and some stuff for this room and,” Steve gave a pointed look at his phone. “a real phone that you can use.”

“I have no money, I can’t accept yours either.” Steve shrugged.

“Breakfast is ready downstairs, we’ll leave as soon as you’re done.” Steve said and then exited the room, leaving Peter in nothing more than a stunned silence. He wasted no time going downstairs, Tony had made pancakes and had drenched them in maple syrup and whipped cream. Peter’s mouth watered at the sight of the large stack and he slowly sat down on the stool, glancing at Tony who watched him as he drank for his coffee cup.

“are you waiting for a countdown or something kid?” Tony asked and Peter shook his head, picking up the knife and fork and digging in to his breakfast. The food was delicious and Peter actually moaned upon his first taste of it. he could feel Tony’s eyes on him, observing him closely but Peter didn’t think about it too hard. Here he was, being offered up actual food and it tasted good. Divinely sweet and insanely mouth-watering. Peter devoured the meal, savouring every last drop and ensuring that there was not even a crumb left on the plate.

“Alright Peter go put some shoes on.” Tony said and Peter nodded. He ran back upstairs and grabbed his four dollar shoes that had come from target and slipped his feet into them. He rushed back downstairs where the Stark-Rogers were waiting for him.

“All set? Good.” They made their way outside, Tony locked the front door and then got into the car where Steve drove the four of them to the mall. Once they were all out of the car, Steve locked it and took hold of Morgan’s hand and they began to make their way inside.

“Shouldn’t I be at school, or you guys at work? We really could just do this another day.” Peter said even though they were already there.

“Nope, this can not wait any longer.” They led Peter to a store full of tech and Peter eyed the heft prices nervously.

“what are we doing here?” he whispered to Tony who just raised a brow.

“which kind of phone do you want?” Tony asked and Peter shook his head.

“I already have a phone sir.”

“Steve described it as something that belonged to a really old grandma.” Tony told him and Peter looked down at the floor.

“So? It still works.” Peter said defiantly but that didn’t seem to matter, because a salesperson was talking to Steve and Steve was telling him that he wanted to get Peter a phone.

“I have the perfect phone, and we got it in a new special edition too.” The man disappeared and then returned with a small box. When he opened it up he pulled out a phone that had a sleek and smooth black screen. But when he turned it over Peter’s brows rose. The smooth back of the phone was red at the top but slowly turned into blue as Peter’s eyes moved down.

“We’ll take it.” Tony said and Peter’s head whipped towards him.

“No sir please! It’s bad enough that you’re losing money because you took the day off, this is way too much!” Peter insisted but it fell on deaf ears as Steve walked away to go fill out the paperwork. Tony was smiling softly, Morgan looked bored but Peter’s heart was hammering inside of his chest. This was way too much, he’d never be able to pay them back for this.

“Peter it’s fine. Steve and I wouldn’t pay for it if we weren’t okay with it.” Tony pulled out his own phone which was a similar model to the one that he was buying Peter and showed Peter a long list. The first item on the list had a little tick next to it. get Peter a new phone. Before Peter could protest anymore Steve was back, bag in hand and grinning.

“where to next?”

“Well we need to get him some clothes.”

-

Peter stood in the dressing room wearing a pair of black ripped jeans, a white soft t-shirt and a blue flannel.

“Pete?” Tony asked and Peter opened up the door, Tony grinned and nodded, the basket full of clothes that he’d already insisted on buying and hands full with even more clothes to try on.

“Awesome, we’re getting that too.” Peter shook his head, he really couldn’t accept all of this.

“Mr Stark Rogers we have more than enough.” Peter said because he knew that there was no way he’d be able to talk Tony out of buying the clothes already in the basket. It had taken Peter a while to get into the swing of things when shopping for clothes. He wasn’t sure what he liked or what he looked good in, and had needed to explain to Tony that he had just received the clothes that Flash hadn’t wanted anymore. Tony had already placed an entire wardrobe’s worth of summer clothes in the basket, and now insisted that Peter try on some things for winter time.

“but what about when it gets cold?” Tony asked and Peter glanced at himself in the mirror. His skin looked yellow in this lighting.

“then we can go shopping again, if I’m still around.” Tony froze but nodded. Despite himself, Peter’s heart sank. Just because they’d asked for an extension didn’t mean anything, it wasn’t like they were going to adopt him.

“alright we’ll get you some winter clothes later, but we’re buying that outfit you’re in.” Peter nodded and shut the door so he could change back into regular clothes. He had been trying on different outfits for over an hour ad was glad that it was finally over.

“Hey Pete what’s your shoe size?” Tony asked as Peter tugged on a shirt.

“why?”

“Well you can’t keep walking around in those shoes.” Tony said through the door and peter’s eyes darted down to his feet, shoes were expensive though.

“it’s fine.”

“shoe size.” Tony said impatiently and Peter bit his lip. He wanted to let Steve and Tony buy all these things for him, wanted it so badly. But Peter wasn’t there son and he’d done nothing to deserve all this.

“It’s honestly fine Mr Stark Rogers.” Peter said and Tony knocked.

“What’s going through your head kid? We aren’t the Thompson’s and we aren’t going to neglect you. you may think all of this is frivolous or unnecessary but it’s not.” Peter nodded, still not quite believing him.

“11.” Peter said after a long while, finally caving to Tony.

“Great.”

-

Morgan had been an absolute angel. Steve had been nervous to bring her along shopping today but she loved helping Peter. Steve had told her that Bucky would be coming over on Saturday for dinner and she’d perked up again once she’d started getting bored of clothes shopping. They were now in Target, trying to find some decorations for Peter’s room. Steve was mostly sticking to neutral tones, he wasn’t exactly sure of what colours Peter liked and Steve was going to suggest that they repaint that room. Unless Peter liked the cream colour that it already was. Steve stared down at the clock, lamps and bedding stuff. Steve had grabbed a couple new pillows, a throw blanket and two different duvet covers that he’d thought Peter might like.

“I’m hungry.” Morgan whined as they waited in line.

“Why don’t we get some doughnuts when we’re done here?” Steve asked her and she gave him a big toothy grin.

“Really? Yay!” she clapped and stomped her feet on the ground in excitement. Steve chuckled at her small antics and soon enough he was handing over his card to pay for Peter’s things.

“you know dad, if we got a doughnut machine we could make doughnuts all the time!” she pointed to one in the shop that was on display and Steve shook his head.

“Maybe another time sweetie.” Steve made a mental note to bring it up to Tony for Morgan’s birthday. They always had an ever-growing list for things like birthdays and Christmases. They’d need to make one for Peter now too. They made their way over to the little doughnut shop and Steve kept an eye out for Tony. He’s not going to be happy that we’re doing this. But Tony was nowhere in sight.

“Do you want the one with rainbow sprinkles?” Steve asked and Morgan nodded her head.

-

Tony spotted his tall, blonde and gorgeous husband across the walkway, and it took Tony a moment to understand where Morgan and Steve were going exactly.

“This one seems nice.” Peter said after inspecting the shampoo bottle that Tony had just handed him.

“We’ll come back. Peter you push the trolley.” Peter put the bottle down and followed Tony out of the store, they made their way over to the doughnut shop.

“Do you want the one with rainbow sprinkles?” Steve asked and Morgan started to eagerly nod her head.

“Steven Grant Stark Rogers are you buying doughnuts without me?” Steve and Morgan spun, eyes wide and mouths agape and then Steve’s face morphed into a smirk.

“maybe.” Tony crossed his arms and shook his head.

“doughnuts?” Peter asked and the three of them turned to him, his brows furrowed.

“You’ve had a doughnut before, right Pete?” Steve asked and Peter bit his lip.

“No?” Tony gasped extra dramatically, Morgan covered her mouth as if she were going to scream and Steve just rose his brows.

“We’re getting a box Steve.” Tony said and marched up to the counted to order it. he could feel the eyes of his family watching him and Tony couldn’t contain the smile as he ordered the doughnuts. While Peter was still on edge, he’d most definitely relaxed today. Calming down ever so slightly as the day had progressed, resisting a little less each time Tony suggested something for him. Tony was glad he’d taken the day off work to spend this time with Peter, even if Hammer would taunt him about it for the rest of the week.

-

Doughnuts were officially Peter’s new favourite food. Tony had gotten a variety of flavours but overall, the plain glazed doughnuts were his favourite. He was still stunned by the amount of things that Steve and Tony had bought him, no one had ever done anything like this for Peter before and if he thought about it for too long he would become overwhelmed.

“Peter we were thinking that you’d like to repaint your room, so what colour would you like?” Steve asked as the four of them made their way back to the car. Peter inhaled sharply but shook his head, he couldn’t accept anything more from them.

“I like the colour that it already is.” Peter lied, it wasn’t that the cream was ugly, it just wasn’t what he would have picked for a bedroom.

“liar.” Tony teased and Peter managed a small smile.

“thank you for all that you guys have done, it’s more than I could ever thank you for.” Peter said as they reached the car. He really didn’t have a clue as to how he’d repay them, maybe one day he could come back once he had a job and give them a big fat cheque to make up for all of this. because there was no way they were keeping him, thoughts like that were just too good to be true.

That afternoon Tony nervously made his way to the Shwarma place that Bruce had told him to go to. He was just down the street from it but he was overcome with nerves suddenly. His body ached and he knew he should take care of himself, go to a doctor or tell the school about what was going on. But Howard had a lot of money and therefore a lot of power and Tony knew it wasn’t worth the risk. Tony didn’t want to go home, but he couldn’t risk another night in the park either. He needed to figure something out. Bruce is a nice kid, he’s not pulling a prank. Tony told himself but wasn’t comforted by that, his anxiety outweighed the logic. He was about to turn around and go home when he saw Steve, coming down the other end of the street and going inside the Shwarma place. It eased all of Tony’s anxieties because Steve needed to do well to get extra credit, he would be participating in some insidious prank. Tony forced his feet to move, his hands to stop shaking and made himself step inside. he spotted Steve, heading towards a table in the back where two other college students and Bruce all sat. they were all huddled around a stack of papers, notebooks and textbooks. They’re studying.

Tony was overcome with a sense of relief knowing that Bruce really truly wasn’t pranking him and had been serious about doing a study group. With newfound confidence he crossed the room, following Steve and hoping that maybe he could make a friend out of Bruce, maybe he could have someone who cared about him.

-

Steve sat down, pulling his textbook out of his bag, Bruce was in a deep conversation with Natasha and Bucky.

“about time.” Bucky grumbled to him when Bruce paused but then focused back on what Bruce was saying. Nat glanced at him and he offered her a half smile, she just playfully rolled her eyes and also focused back on what Bruce was saying. Steve glanced at the restaurant and noticed that none other than Tony Stark was walking towards them. He gave Steve a nervous smile which put a flutter in Steve’s stomach. Steve didn’t like that, this snobby rich kid had no place in his stomach, he wasn’t allowed to give Steve butterflies. Not like that. He thought to himself and then Bruce looked up, his whole face brightening.

“You made it!” he grinned and Steve frowned. He was overcome with the desire to protect Bruce, Tony was a bully and he couldn’t be trusted. Tony was just using Bruce for his own personal gain. Steve needed to figure out a way of warning Bruce before Tony used him today.

“What are you doing here?” Steve demanded and the smile slipped off of Tony’s face, a flash of hurt and disappointment in his eyes and then a stoic mask of neutrality.

“Bruce invited me.” Tony said as he sat down in the booth across from Steve. Steve realised that the other three had fallen silent, watching the two of them in interest.

“Last time I checked you weren’t in Professor Fury’s class.” Steve tilted his head to the side, narrowing his eyes. Bucky cleared his throat but Tony and Steve didn’t dare break eye contact. In this lighting, his eyes looked more like a molten gold than their usual chocolate orbs.

-

Steve’s eyes were so fucking blue that it was actually ridiculous. They were an ice blue, cold and hard and unforgiving. Tony swallowed suddenly feeling like he was being put on trial for murder.

“Steve?” the girl asked but still they maintained eye contact. Tony knew he was supposed to say something but his brain was short circuiting. Even though Steve was an ass, Tony could acknowledge that he was pretty. The kind of pretty that made his heart ache, and seeing him in his leather jacked was doing weird things to his heart, making his brain go all fuzzy. He’s an asshole, remember? And that seemed to snap Tony out of it. because Steve hated Tony just as much as everyone else did.

“Bruce just said it was a study group, he didn’t say what it was for.” Tony said, forcing himself to look away from Steve and turn his attention to Bruce who had a single brow raised.

“I thought with that big brain of yours you’d be able to help. Or I could help you out with Miss Hill’s assignment?” Bruce offered and Tony nodded, glad he had the right books in his bag. He could still feel Steve watching him, glaring at him. His eyes were narrowed and his brows furrowed, creating a little crease in his forehead. Tony wanted to know what he’d done to offend Steve so badly, was their one and only conversation really so terrible? Did Steve really hate him so much already? Tony just grabbed Steve’s homework and took a look at it, reading over the notes Steve had made in his slanted handwriting.

“I think you’re overthinking it.” Tony said and when he risked a glance at Steve the guy looked pretty pissed off.

“Oh really?” Tony nodded, he was detailed but it was so detailed that the facts were lost in irrelevant pieces. Mercifully, Bruce had started talking to the girl and the guy, leaving Steve and Tony to their own devices. So Tony launched into his own explanation, going over Steve’s work and he kept waiting for Steve to explode, to yell at him or make some mean remark. But eventually Steve seemed to relax a little, deep in thought as Tony spoke, his face softening and the crease in his forehead vanishing from sight.

-

Steve hated to admit it but Tony really knew what he was talking about. His instructions were clear and detailed and Steve finally found himself understanding where he’d gone wrong. the hours ticked  by and at some point it had started raining outside. When Steve asked questions Tony would explain it until Steve properly understood the content, and then Steve started to feel bad for judging Tony so harshly. His immediate response had been to think that Tony was just going to use Bruce, but he was actually helping Steve. Even though Steve had been an asshole towards him. He hadn’t earned Tony’s help, and yet here he was receiving it. it was starting to get late and Steve’s stomach growled, the longing of leftover food at home filled him. His back was also starting to ache from sitting in this booth for so long.

“should we call it for the night?” Nat asked after Bruce yawned and the everyone other than Tony nodded.

“Sure.” He said once everyone stared at him for a long moment. Nerves curdled in Steve’s gut, had Tony had some elaborate plan for tonight? Was he planning on doing something to Bruce? Steve stood up and shoved his books into his bag, glancing at Tony suspiciously.

“thanks for the help Bruce.” Bucky said and Bruce nodded, Steve glanced to Tony and bit his lip. Was he supposed to thank him? What if he had some horribly awful plan awaiting Bruce? Some sinister plot that could damage the sweet nerdy kid?

“Thanks.” Steve said after too long a pause, his mother had raised him to be polite, even when Steve was reluctant to be so. Tony just nodded, tugging the worn hoodie sleeves down his hands and moving so Bruce could get out of the booth.

“Anytime.” Tony said but his voice was shaking.

“Are you alright?” Bruce asked and Tony nodded, his hands balled into fists.

“fine.” His voice tight now.

-

They were all staring and he was just trying to stop the oncoming panic attack. Howard would be waiting for him, he’d be pissed that Tony hadn’t come home all afternoon. Tony was screwed, he just knew it.

“Buck, Nat, do you guys mind walking Bruce home?” Steve said and the two of them nodded, finally Tony had names to the faces and he tried to focus on that detail rather than the impending doom that awaited him.

“what about you?” Bruce asked and Steve scratched the back of his head.

“Tony’s a scrawny kid, I want to make sure he gets home safely.” Tony almost snorted, as if the walk home was the worst thing that awaited him tonight.

“It’s fine, you don’t have to.” Tony said but Steve just shrugged.

“it’d make me feel better knowing you got home safely, besides it’s the least I can do after you helped me all afternoon.” Tony hesitated but nodded, maybe he could invite Steve in and keep him around for a while longer. Howard wouldn’t try something with a guest present, right?

“Okay.” His voice was barely above a whisper but no one argued then. So tony picked up his bag, said goodbye and then stepped back out onto the street, Steve beside him.

“you really don’t have to do this Steve.” Tony said when they were still standing there, neither moving and neither looking at one another. Both boys just stared down at the concrete ground.

“it’s honestly fine Tony, which way do we go?” he looked up and Tony met Steve’s eyes. His throat constricted so he just began walking and Steve fell into step beside him. The rain had mercifully stopped but there was an awful chill wind that breezed through Tony’s jumper like it wasn’t there at all. It wasn’t five minutes before he started shivering. If they had been talking, Steve wouldn’t have noticed. But they were silent and the sound of Tony’s teeth chattering together filled the silence that stretched between the two of them.

“Hang on.” Steve stopped and Tony did to, and then Steve was shrugging out of his leather jacket to reveal very large biceps that made Tony swallow. Why is he so fucking pretty? Tony wondered and then realised Steve was holding out his jacket.

“huh?” Tony said because his brain didn’t know how to function when Steve was being nice.

“you’re freezing and I was starting to melt in it anyway.” He reached out further, and Tony’s hands fumbled as he took it.

“oh, uh, umm, thanks?” Steve looked down at the ground and scratched the back of his neck as Tony shrugged the jacket on.

-

When Steve looked up he saw just how much his leather jacket swallowed Tony up and his heart stopped. His brain malfunctioned and his brows rose as his jaw fell open slightly. Tony, thankfully, wasn’t looking at him but was picking up his backpack again and then drawing Steve’s jacket tighter around him. He started walking again and it took Steve a moment to comprehend that he was supposed to follow him.

“So what do you want to do when high school is over?” Steve asked just so he could focus on a normal conversation rather than how good Tony looked in his jacket.

-

Tony couldn’t believe how warm the jacket was and it took him a long moment to understand that Steve had spoken.

“oh, uh, I want to go to college.”

“which one?”

“MIT, that’s if I can get in. the guidance counsellor thinks I’ve got the grades for it.”

“That’s far from here isn’t it?” Steve asked and Tony nodded, shoving his hands into the jacket pockets.

“That’s partially why I want to go.” to get away from Howard, even if it only was four hours away.

“I have a question.” Steve said it so suddenly that Tony jumped.

“Okay…” he trailed off, brows furrowing.

“Are you and Bruce like friends now?”

“Uhm, I don’t know?” he drew Steve’s jacket tighter around him and breathed in deeply, Steve’s scent clogged his nose and Tony was getting a little dizzy from it. damn Steve for looking so attractive and for smelling so good. The jacket itself was good quality and soft, softer than anything Tony had touched in years. Not to mention how it swallowed him up, only adding to the warmth it had instantly provided him. They’d be at his house soon, and then Tony would have to give back the jacket and deal with Howard’s wrath and it all made Tony’s stomach curdle and hands tremble.

“it just seemed like you two didn’t exactly get along the other day and then today he invited you.” Tony nodded, shoving his hands deeper into the pockets of Steve’s jacket. What was he supposed to say?

“I don’t really have that many people in my life and I think Bruce just noticed.” Tony shrugged, trying to sound nonchalant about it.

“why is that?” Steve asked and then they were turning onto his street and Tony’s brain was starting to go foggy with fear.

“It doesn’t matter.” Tony said and stopped on his driveway. Steve stopped and spun around, his eyes narrowing and crease reappearing on his forehead.

“I want to think that you’re a good guy but Bruce is a good kid and I don’t want another snobby rich kid to just walk all over him.” Steve said and Tony stumbled back a step.

“I’m not going to do anything to Bruce.” Tony told him and Steve raised a brow.

“my job is to look out for him, and that includes making sure you don’t hurt him or use him. I’m serious Tony.” Tony nodded, inhaling sharply.

“Thanks for walking me home but I really should get inside now.” and Tony practically ran to his front door, panic rising in his throat. For a moment he’d thought that Steve had cared about him, had wanted to get to know him. But he was just as hostile towards Tony as everyone else was, he didn’t care about Tony. Tony slammed the front door shut and let out a frustrated groan.

“and where exactly have you been?” Howard snarled behind him and Tony inhaled sharply. Shit.

-

Steve was so pissed off at Tony for running inside that he’d started to walk home. He was almost halfway back to his apartment when he realised he’d forgotten his jacket. Dammit. Steve turned around and began walking back towards Tony’s house, irritation flared within him. He walked all the way back in the freezing cold to Tony’s house, trying to convince himself that it was good exercise. The lights were still on and when Steve reached the front door he began to second guess himself. Was this appropriate? Should he just wait until Monday? He shook himself and knocked on the door, it was his jacket after all. He waited a minute and nobody answered, so he knocked again. Harder and louder this time and waited another three minutes. When nobody answered yet again he tried the door handle, it was unlocked.

“Hello?” Steve called out slowly as the door swung open. The lights were on but the luxurious hallway before him was empty. Steve stepped inside, shutting the door behind him and took another step further into the house.

“tony?” he called but his voice was swallowed up by a scream. Steve ran, heart racing and blood pounding as the voice grew louder and louder. He burst through a door to find an old man, belt gripped tightly in his right hand, standing over a shirtless Tony who was curled up on the floor. They both froze and turned, Tony’s face morphed into a look of fear, the old man’s a look of rage.