“Deep breath in….one….two…three…four. Deep breath out,” Peter muttered trying to calm his rising panic as he stared at his phone. He shouldn't call again so soon. Screw it. He caved and hit the call button again. And watched as it once more went unanswered.
Everything was probably fine? Right? Right? But what if it wasn't?
Memories of Germany and air bridges being dropped on him and Mr. Rhodey falling and Mr. Stark’s damaged armor assaulted him. The rogues were meeting at the tower this evening to discuss their pardons and the amended accords. Peter had tried to come as Spider-Man to support Mr. Stark, but his mentor had immediately squashed that idea. But Pepper was in California on a business trip and Rhodey had gotten stuck in D.C. and Mr. Stark was now alone with them.
Thirty-three unread text messages. Seventeen missed calls. What if something had gone wrong, and Mr. Stark was alone without back-up? Happy was awesome and all, but Peter didn't really see how the boxer turned bodyguard turned head of security was a match for an enhanced soldier, two super spies, and the rest of the rogues. He did not like being benched. He did not like it at all.
Then, an idea hit him. May had requested that he not patrol tonight since she was working and both Happy and Mr. Stark were busy. But she hadn't actually forbidden him from going out. So say he went out. And say his patrol just happened to take him to Stark Tower. Manhattan could be considered on his way around Queens. Right? Right.
He quickly changed and headed to Stark Tower. Erm…on patrol. The tower was clearly not his final destination or his purpose for going out. Nope. Not at all. He'd die on this hill.
With that, he set out not for Stark Tower but instead to patrol Queens via Manhattan. In his opinion, it took him far too long to get to the tower. He swung to the landing pad and slipped inside, asking FRIDAY to not announce his presence. He suspected that she liked him more than Mr. Stark, because she always willingly agreed to requests like that. He creeped towards the Avengers common room.
“Don't you dare, Clint!” Tony was yelling. Peter's heart rate increased and blood pressure skyrocketed. What was Hawkeye doing to Mr. Stark? This couldn't be good. He knew his mentor was in definite need of back-up. Peter climbed to the ceiling and then hurried as quickly and quietly as he could. Once close to the room, he used his webs to launch himself inside.
“Leave Mr. Stark alone!” he yelled as he swung into the room. The group whirled around to see Spider-Man hanging from the ceiling.
“Kid?” Mr. Stark said, disbelief dripping from his tone. It was then Peter registered the controller in his hand and the game of Mario Cart on the big screen TV behind him. And registered the smell of pizza and the huge pile of boxes on the counter.
“Oh,” he said as he dropped to the floor.
“Spidey, why are you here?” Mr. Stark questioned, sitting the controller down and walking over to him.
Peter ripped off his mask. Secret identity be damned. He breathlessly said, “I texted you thirty-three times, Mr. Stark, and then I called you seventeen times. And you didn't answer.”
“Oh, Roo,” the man said gently, cupping the side of the teen’s face, “I'm so sorry. I left my phone in my room and had FRIDAY on mute so we could talk. I should have told her to push through your calls.”
“So, you're OK?” Peter asked with relief. As soon as the man nodded, Peter threw his arms around him. Mr. Stark chuckled as he embraced the boy in return.
“They didn't hurt you?” Peter questioned in a low voice as he buried his face in the man's chest.
“They didn't hurt me,” Mr. Stark confirmed softly, “We're still working things out and have a ways to go, but we figured pizza and video games might be a good starting place.”
Peter squeezed him tighter, very happy to know his father figure was safe.
“Now,” Mr. Stark said louder, pulling away, wrapping an arm around Peter, and turning towards the rest of the room, “Why don't I introduce you to everyone and get you some food. And also call your aunt so she knows I didn't kidnap you.”