on the run with his parents
The Quinjet soared through the sky, carrying the divided Avengers away from the aftermath of their clash at the Leipzig airport. Inside, the mood was tense as Tony Stark sat staring stonily ahead, while Natasha Romanoff and her son, Peter, exchanged uneasy glances.
Tony broke the silence. "So. Would either of you care to explain what happened back there?"
Natasha met his gaze evenly. "I made a judgment call. Steve was never going to stop. I did what I had to do to avoid catastrophe."
"By letting Rogers and his brainwashed pet assassin get away? Great call. I'm sure the authorities will see it that way when we land with half the team missing."
"The Accords were a mistake, Tony. Forcing oversight on us won't end well."
Tony scoffed. "Right, because we've done such a stellar job policing ourselves up till now."
Natasha's eyes flashed. "So giving up our freedom is the answer?"
"I swear, your crush on Cap has made you as self-righteous as he is."
"Stop it, both of you!" Peter interjected. "We shouldn't be fighting like this."
Tony turned his glare on the young hero. "You know, I'm really interested to hear your take on this whole debacle, Spider-Boy."
Peter squirmed under the intense scrutiny. "Mr. Stark, I'm really sorry about what happened back there. I didn't intend for it to go down like that."
"Oh yeah? Then how exactly did you intend for it to go down when you helped two fugitives escape from lawful arrest?"
Peter took a deep breath. "Steve and Bucky are my family. I couldn't stand by and let them get captured."
Tony's eyes narrowed, then widened in disbelief. "Come again? Did you just say Rogers and his brainwashed buddy are family?"
Another heavy silence descended on the Quinjet. Finally, Natasha spoke up quietly.
"It's true, Tony. Steve and I...we're together. Have been for awhile now. Peter is our son."
Tony's head swiveled rapidly between the two. "You...and Cap...have a love child? Why am I just finding out about this now?"
Natasha sighed. "After everything that happened with SHIELD and Hydra, Steve and I decided it was safer to keep it quiet. For Peter's protection."
Tony threw his hands up in exasperation. "Unbelievable. Does anyone else know about this, or have I been living a lie this whole time?"
"Just Clint and Wanda," Natasha admitted. "We didn't intend for it to come out like this."
Tony shook his head in disbelief. "I recruited a fifteen year old kid to fight without knowing he was Captain America's son. Fan-freaking-tastic. Rogers must be thrilled with me right about now."
"You couldn't have known, Tony," Natasha said calmly. "Steve and I should have told you. But ever since Sokovia, tensions were running too high."
Tony ran a hand over his face. "Tensions are still running high, in case you hadn't noticed. Your secret lovechild just helped his dear old dad escape with the assassin who killed my parents. Excuse me if I'm less than thrilled right now."
Peter winced at Tony's words. "Mr. Stark, that's not fair. I didn't know it was Bucky who..." He trailed off at the look on Tony's face.
"You didn't know. I'm guessing Rogers failed to mention that to his prodigal son? Yeah, that sounds about right." Tony's voice was bitter.
Peter felt guilt twisting his stomach. "I'm sorry. I never meant..."
"Save it, kid. I don't need your apologies right now. I need to figure out how to contain this disaster."
Silence fell over the Quinjet once more. The weight of what had just transpired hung heavily over them all.
One Week Earlier
"Peter, can you come down here please?"
Peter set down his book and made his way to the small living room of the modest apartment he shared with his parents, Steve and Natasha. To the outside world, they were Captain America and the Black Widow, Avengers and former SHIELD agents. But in private, they were simply Steve and Natasha - husband, wife, and doting parents to their teenage son.
Peter entered the living room to find his parents seated together on the couch, wearing serious expressions. He faltered. "Uh oh. That's never a good sign. Am I in trouble?"
Steve gave him a wry smile. "Have a seat, son."
Peter perched nervously on a chair across from them. Natasha spoke gently but firmly. "Peter, Steve and I have been called away unexpectedly. There's been an...incident, involving Bucky."
Peter's eyes widened in alarm. As a kid, he'd grown up calling Bucky Barnes 'Uncle Bucky' and hearing stories of Captain America and his best friend's wartime adventures. Even after Bucky had reappeared as the notorious Winter Soldier, Steve had never given up on him. And neither had Peter. "Is he okay? Did something happen?"
Steve put a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "We're not sure yet. But we need to get to Bucharest quickly."
Natasha took over explaining. "The situation is complicated. The authorities will be looking for Bucky too. There's going to be a confrontation." Her eyes were sympathetic but uncompromising. "I know how you feel about him Peter, but too much is at stake. We can't allow them to take Bucky until we figure this out."
Peter read between the lines of what she was saying. "But won't that make you all fugitives? There's got to be another way!"
Steve shook his head. "There isn't, son. I wish there was, believe me. But we've run out of options. And time." He held Peter's gaze. "Now I know what we're asking - for you to stay behind while we deal with this. It's not fair. But we need you to be safe."
Peter immediately started shaking his head. "No way! I want to help Bucky too. I'm not just going to stay here and do nothing!"
Natasha gave Steve a knowing look then turned back to Peter. "We had a feeling you'd say that. You want to protect your family - I understand. But Peter..." Her voice softened. "Let us protect you this time. Please."
Peter could see the concern in his mother's eyes. Natasha Romanoff was not one to show vulnerability. Except when it came to him. Peter sighed, shoulders slumping. "Okay fine, I'll stay put. But you have to tell me everything that happens, deal?"
His parents smiled in relief. "Deal," Steve agreed, pulling Peter into a hug. "Thank you for understanding." He stood, exchanging a look with Natasha. "Well, we should get moving. Take care of yourself, son."
Natasha wrapped her arms around Peter tightly. "We'll be back soon. Listen to your father. And stay out of trouble." She planted a kiss on his head before following Steve out the door.
Peter watched them go, already feeling restless. Staying behind while his parents fought to protect his uncle went against every fiber of his being. But he had agreed, and he didn't want to let them down.
With a resigned sigh, Peter returned to his room. He just had to hope Steve and Natasha could bring Bucky home safely. Because Peter wasn't sure how long he'd be able to keep his promise to stay put.
Twenty-four hours later, Peter was dressed in his Spider-Man suit and stowing away on the Quinjet en route to Germany.
So much for staying put.
He knew Steve and Nat would be furious when they found out what he'd done. But Peter didn't regret his choice. Captain America needed Spider-Man. And there was no way he was missing out on his first big mission as an Avenger, Accords be damned.
Still, he understood his parents' concern. Peter was grateful for the mask and suit Tony had provided - it allowed him to fight anonymously, without revealing his connection to two rogue Avengers.
As the Quinjet landed at the Leipzig airport, Peter was awash with nerves and excitement. He kept close to Tony and James Rhodes, following their lead as the chaotic clash began.
It was exhilarating, being able to test his powers against the other heroes. Peter had to stop himself from fanboying out at fighting side-by-side with Iron Man and War Machine.
He was careful to avoid direct confrontation with Captain America's team. Peter spotted his dad locked in combat with Tony, but didn't intervene. He caught a brief glimpse of his mom as well, before she disappeared into the terminal.
Peter was suddenly blindsided by a blast of red energy, knocking him off his feet. He looked up to see Wanda Maximoff advancing towards him, hands raised threateningly.
"Who's the new guy on Stark's team?" she demanded.
"Uh, you've probably heard of me," Peter quipped, trying to disguise his voice. "Friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, at your service."
Wanda's eyes narrowed. "We'll see how friendly you are." She flung another burst of energy at him.
Peter narrowly avoided it with a backflip. "Come on, take it easy! I don't want to fight you."
"Then get out of my way," Wanda retorted. She gestured, yanking a piece of debris towards her...
...And ripping Peter's mask clean off in the process.
Peter froze in dismay as his face was revealed. Wanda faltered, surprise flitting across her face. They both heard a horrified voice cry out.
"PETER!"
Natasha came sprinting towards them, Steve on her heels. Peter winced, knowing he was busted.
"Oh crap," he muttered.
Natasha grabbed his shoulders urgently. "Peter, what are you doing here? Are you hurt?" Her sharp eyes scanned him for injuries.
"I'm fine, Mom, really," he assured her, regretting that he'd worried her.
Steve caught up to them, shock and anger warring on his face. "Son, you should not be here! This is too dangerous."
Peter shot him a wry look. "You're one to talk."
Before Steve could respond, Tony landed beside them. He took one look at Peter's unmasked face and turned on Natasha and Steve furiously.
"What the hell is THIS?" he demanded, pointing at Peter. "You brought your underage kid to a battle with the Avengers? What kind of parenting is that?"
"We didn't bring him, Tony," Natasha said sharply. "Clearly he stowed away without our knowledge." She refocused on Peter. "You directly disobeyed us. There will be consequences for this."
Peter threw his hands up in exasperation. "I was trying to help! You know I couldn't sit back and do nothing." He waved a hand around them. "And I'm fine, aren't I? No one got hurt."
"No thanks to you! You had no right to put a child at risk in this fight," Tony fumed.
Before anyone could reply, an explosion rocked the airport. They were running out of time. Steve placed a hand on Peter's shoulder. "We'll discuss this later as a family. But for now, stay close to me or your mother. No more solo stunts." His tone left no room for argument.
Peter nodded, subdued. Natasha touched his cheek gently. "We'll get through this. Together." She kissed his forehead before turning to Tony, expression now unreadable. "I'm getting that chopper."
She took off across the tarmac. Peter noticed his dad watching her go, a myriad of emotions playing across his face.
"You too, huh?" Peter said knowingly. At Steve's startled look, he shrugged. "I know that look. She's going with you when this is over...isn't she?"
Steve nodded slowly. "Your mother can make up her own mind. But it does appear we'll be on the run together after today." He clasped Peter's shoulder. "I know what I'm asking, for you to become a fugitive with us. It's your choice, son."
Peter shook his head in exasperation. "Well I can't let you two have all the fun, can I?" He managed a lopsided grin. "We're family. We stick together. No matter what."
Steve pulled him into a fierce hug. "No matter what," he echoed softly. After a moment, he released Peter and took a step back, expression solemn once more. "I need to stop that chopper and get Bucky out of here." His gaze flicked to Tony briefly. "Stay alert. And be ready." Then he took off after Natasha.
Peter turned to find Tony staring after him, visibly bristling. "Can you believe that? Cap's dragging his kid into the life of a fugitive, and the boy just goes along with it."
Peter lifted his chin. "It's my choice too. Steve and Nat are just trying to protect Bucky."
Tony laughed harshly. "Of course. It always comes back to Bucky Barnes." His repulsors roared to life as he took to the air. "Time to end this."
Peter could only watch helplessly as Tony flew after his dad, their feud no closer to resolution. How had everything gone so wrong so fast?
The roar of a chopper overhead drew Peter's attention. He glanced up to see Natasha piloting the helicopter out of the hangar. Steve was aboard...as was the Winter Soldier.
They were getting away, Peter realized. Part of him swelled with relief and pride at his parents' success. But another part worried what this meant for the future of the Avengers.
Could the rift between Tony's team and his parents ever be repaired after today? Would he ever get to be Spider-Man again, or was that part of his life over?
So lost in thought was Peter that he didn't notice Wanda sidling up beside him until she spoke.
"I am sorry for attacking you," she said quietly. "Had I known you were Natasha's..."
Peter turned to face the girl who'd inadvertently exposed his identity. Wanda looked uncomfortable. "It's okay," he assured her. "No real harm done. And uh, sorry about your nose." He nodded sheepishly at the trickle of blood from her nostril.
Wanda dismissed his apology with a wave of her hand. "It is nothing." She studied him curiously for a moment. "You know, you remind me of..." She faltered, looking wistful.
"Your brother?" Peter supplied gently. At her surprised look, he elaborated. "Dad told me what happened in Sokovia. I'm really sorry."
Wanda gave a sad smile. "Yes. You have his spirit. Always trying to help, even when it is dangerous." Her gaze grew distant. After a moment, she refocused on him. "You should go now, before Stark returns. I will watch your back."
"What about you?" Peter asked worriedly.
Wanda shook her head. "I will face the consequences of my choices. But you still have a chance. Go." She gave him a small push before turning away.
Peter hesitated, then made his decision. "Thank you, Wanda," he said sincerely. Then he took off after the chopper.
He found Natasha and Steve standing together near a grounded plane, watching the chopper grow smaller in the distance. Natasha turned as Peter ran up to them.
"Peter! What are you still doing here?" She gripped his shoulders tightly. "You need to get away from this place now, do you understand?"
Peter shook his head vehemently. "No way! I already told Dad I'm coming with you guys." He looked between them pleadingly. "We're in this together now."
Steve and Natasha exchanged a long look laden with unspoken words. Finally Steve sighed. "You're not giving us much choice, son." He fixed Peter with a stern look. "But you stick close and follow orders. No running off on your own, not ever again."
Peter nodded seriously. "I promise."
Natasha pulled him into a fierce embrace. "Oh Peter, what are we going to do with you?" She held him for a long moment before releasing him. "It's time. Our ride's here."
They boarded the plane in silence. As the engines roared to life, the full gravity of what they'd done seemed to sink in.
They were now fugitives. The fate of the Avengers - and their family - hung in the balance. And there was no going back.
Present Day
Peter stared morosely at the blank walls and ceiling of his cell, as he had for the past week since their imprisonment.
After being intercepted at the airport and identified as fugitives, Peter and his fellow ex-Avengers had been swiftly detained pending investigation. Tony, James, T'Challa and Vision had remanded them to custody and left to handle the Accord fallout.
And here they remained, confined to the underwater prison known as the Raft. No visitors, no communication with the outside world. Just an endless empty days broken only by mealtimes and the occasional taunt from the guards.
Peter was trying his best to stay positive - at least they were together. Sam and Scott were in adjacent cells, while Wanda and Clint were held one level below. It was some small comfort not to be entirely alone.
Mostly Peter just worried about his parents and his uncle, out there somewhere on the run. He prayed they were safe. Natasha's parting words to him kept playing on loop in his mind...
"This isn't over yet, little spider. Have faith. Remember, we're in this together..."
Then she'd kissed his head and ran away with his father and uncle, not looking back. It was the last time Peter had seen her.
He sighed, rolling onto his side on the lumpy cot, eventually drifting off to sleep. One day, he thought, he would be with his parents again, and hopefully the Avengers will be able to fix what's broken them.