Always Be My Baby

Peter and Tony woke up basically at the same time and Pepper was surprisingly already awake, quietly doing some last minute packing before they left for their four day trip. 

It wasn’t very long, but it would be nice to make some more memories and spend some time together as a family again. It wouldn’t be anything like Bali though, considering it was getting colder and colder out and where they were going, there was supposed to be snow. 

Peter stretched on the bed and pushed himself into a sitting position, looking around the room. “Mmm?” 

“Hey, baby. Did you sleep well?” Tony asked, seeing how dirty his face was. Yikes. Maybe he should have woken him up for a shower last night. 

Peter nodded and laid back down on his stomach, sucking on this thumb contently. 

“Hi boys. Look at you falling asleep at the same time and waking up at the same time.” Pepper leaned down, pressing a kiss to Tony’s lips and then to Peter’s head. She pulled the blankets off Peter, feeling between his legs. “He’s full. So I’m gonna give him a shower and then we’ll leave in about an hour and a half, yeah?” 

Tony sat up. He wanted to give Peter a shower. “I can give him one.” 

“Nice try. I will because you spent all day with him yesterday.” She rubbed her son's boney back. “Peter, can you get up now and go shower?” 

“I want milk first.” 

“Oh. Tony, I need you to pack the van up. Whenever you’re ready.” 

Peter kicked his legs out. “I want milk.” 

Tony groaned and got out of bed. “Alright. I’ll go get him some. Are you sure you don’t want me to do the shower?” He asked, slightly hopeful. 

“I’m sure I can give my own son a shower. I did give birth to him after all, everything after that is smooth sailing.” Pepper thought better of that, the temper tantrums were much more difficult than giving birth to a whole baby. She and Tony laughed together then she took Peter into the bathroom, shutting the door behind them. 

Peter yawned. “My bum is itchy.” 

“Probably because you didn’t shower yesterday.” 

Peter shrugged and let his mom pull the diaper off of him, tossing it in the garbage. “Did I pee lots?” 

“You did. Go into the water now, Pete.” Pepper grabbed the body wash and poured it into a washcloth for him. “Are you excited to go to the lake house?” 

“Uh huh. I really want to play hide and go seek in the dark again. It was fun the last time we went there and played it.” 

“We’ll definitely have to do that.” Pepper encouraged him to wash his arms, watching as he did so. “It’s a long drive. Are you ready for it?” 

“Yeah. Are we gonna get McDonald’s for lunch? Or a different place?” 

Pepper wasn’t too sure yet. “How about we see once we get on the road.” She thought about something. “Would you like to wear underwear in the car? Or a diaper?” 

Peter chewed on his pointer finger to try and see what his mom wanted him to say. He knew he dad would say diaper, he was always pushing him to wear one, not that Peter cared. “A diaper. Cause I need to, it’s comfier.” 

Pepper thought so. She wanted to stop it but she didn’t want to have to pull over ten times for bathroom breaks. Once was enough. 

“Alright. I’ll let your dad know.” Pepper finished washing his hair and rinsing him down just as the door opened up. She didn’t have to look to know it was Tony there. He couldn’t stay away from Peter. “Hey, so I’m almost done here.” 

“Dad? Did you get my milky?” Asked Peter, bouncing up and down on his toes. 

“I did. Once you’re done-” 

“I’m done!” 

Pepper wrapped him in a towel as he ran out but he only had one thing on his mind; milk. 

“Pete, just wait a second, buddy.” Tony grabbed the milk off the dresser, handing it to him and laying down beside him, deciding to wait until he was done drinking before doing anything else. His other kids weren’t even awake yet. 

“So, let’s put him in a diaper for the car ride up.” Pepper came out of the bathroom saying, putting her earrings in as she did so. 

Tony was always okay with that. “Okay.” 

“Saves us from having to pull over. Or a wetting accident, gosh. I do not want to deal with that.” 

Tony agreed. He rubbed Peter’s belly. “Alright, milk monster. No underwear for you.” 

“Mm!” 

“What? You want to?” Tony asked, only half teasing him. 

“No.” Peter carefully looked for his dad’s reaction, trying to see what he wanted from him. “I just wanna wear that. And when are we leaving? Is it a long drive?” 

It wasn’t long for Tony but it would be long for Peter which automatically made it long for Tony. “It’s about three hours. Don’t worry, we’ll stop for lunch somewhere so you can burn off some energy.” 

Peter was excited about that. He already knew what he wanted to eat. “McDonald’s please. With a toy.” 

“So a Happy Meal?” Tony ran his fingers through Peter’s wet curls, admiring his cute little face looking up at him. He knew Peter was going to grow up way too fast and that these moments were limited. Tony wasn’t ready for that and he definitely wasn’t ready to let go. 

Peter gave a sharp nod, moving his eyes to look at his mom while he drank, watching her move in and out of the closet, finishing with their final packing. 

She placed the box of diapers on the bed and pulled one out, tossing it at Tony. “We’re taking this whole box.” 

“Yep.” Tony yawned and sat up. “Alright, little man, I’m gonna get dressed then we’re gonna get you dressed because we gotta leave soon.” 

Peter didn’t respond so Tony grabbed his clothes, track pants and a T-shirt, then disappeared into the closet. He was quick to change but Peter still wasn’t done drinking. Not surprisingly. “I’ll wake up the other monkeys so we can go soon.” 

“Me too.” Peter sat up, wanting to come. 

“No, I’ll be quick. You need to get some clothes on first.” Tony pointed his finger at him before leaving to wake his other kids up. Morgan was already up and playing on her iPad and Tony had no idea how she got it. They had a strict rule about no iPads in bedrooms at nighttime for Peter and Morgan for this exact reason; playing on it instead of sleeping. “Time to go get ready. I’ll take that. You can play on it during the car ride.” 

Tony left after that, walking back into his bedroom and finding Peter sitting on the toilet, still drinking his bottle. “As if that’s gonna go right through him now.” He chuckled then waited until Peter went before taking him into the bedroom, securing a diaper onto him and waiting for Peter to get dressed in track pants and a matching sweater. 

Although Peter just sat there, attempting to put his feet through the pant holes. “I wish it was hot out. I don’t like this coldness.” 

“Me neither. But we’re gonna have fun. It’s supposed to be snowing where we’re going. But you gotta hurry and get dressed.” 

Peter whined and fell onto his back on the bed. “I don’t know how.” 

“Pete, yes you do. I can’t always help you.” 

“Why not?” 

Tony sighed. He struggled so hard to have Peter dress and undress himself and he actually succeeded at it, Peter would insist he do it by himself everyday. Until he got kidnapped again. Now all that was a waste. They were back to the beginning only it was worse now. 

“Because Peter, you’re a big boy. I don’t help Harley get dressed, do I?” Peter shook his head. “And do I help Morgan get dressed?” Peter shook his head. “Yeah, because they know how by themselves so how about you just try.” 

“No. My pants don’t fit if I’m not wearing underwear’s.” 

“So do you want to put underwear on instead?” 

Peter immediately shook his head. 

“Okay. But your track pants will still fit. Remember before when you got dressed by yourself? That was fun, right?” 

“I don’t remember.” 

Harley walked into the bedroom. “Dad, mom says we’re leaving now.” He walked over to the bed, looking at his younger brother pouting. He was glad that he didn’t have to deal with that. 

“Alright. Tell her we’ll be down in two minutes.” Tony sighed. It was just easier to get Peter dressed himself and he hated how he sounded exactly like Steve. But it was that crazy man’s fault. He was the one who still had such a strong grip on Peter. “I’ll help you then.” Tony held out his track pants, pulling them up on him and then putting his sweater on next. “Let’s go. Everyone might leave without us.” 

“Oh no. Then we’d have to walk to the cabin.” Peter raced downstairs, stopping just before he walked out of the open front door. “I don’t wanna wear shoes. Or a coat. Lift me up.” 

Tony already expected that. He carried Peter awkwardly out to the car and sat him in his car seat. “Sorry, Harls, you squished back there.” 

“It’s fine. As long as I’m not in the middle of them two.” 

“I didn’t eat any breakfast and I’m so hungry.” Said Peter, arching his back so Tony couldn’t put the buckles on him. 

“I made waffles, just eat that until we get lunch.” Pepper handed Peter back a waffle so he happily took that from her and let his dad buckle him in. “We’ll get lunch in about an hour or so, alright.” 

Peter was content. He had waffles and a bottle of milk. He was so ready for this car ride. 

.

.

.

Tony had a headache and his patience was running low. Maybe because he hadn’t eaten anything yet today or it was because Peter was getting under his skin. 

Tony pulled into a McDonald’s and parked the van. “We’re going in. I can’t sit in this van anymore.” He got out, opening up the back door and looking at the pout Peter had on his face for the last ten minutes since they refused to pull over when they spotted a deer in the field. “Pout all you want. You aren’t getting your way.” He unbuckled him and felt that he needed a change. Great. “Let’s go. I’m not carrying you so you need to put your shoes on.” 

“No.” 

Tony didn't care, he got shoes onto Peter and lifted him out of the van. “I need a diaper and wipes.” He told Pepper so she could grab that while he kept a close eye on Peter and Morgan. “I’m watching you two. Stay next to the van.” 

Peter purposely turned his back to his dad, ignoring him. 

“We’re not going anywhere, dad.” Morgan said for the both of them although Peter had other plans. He jumped out of the parking space and onto the parking lot road, turning around to see his dad’s reaction. 

“Peter. If you can’t follow instructions, you’ll be holding my hand until we get inside.” 

“No. I’m listening.” Peter leaned against the car, making sure that his dad saw. 

Tony kept a close eye on him, like he always did when they were out in public. They walked inside the McDonald’s and to Tony’s relief, it wasn’t busy, only about four people in there total. He watched Peter and Morgan run over to the toy shelf, looking at what they could possibly get in their happy meals. 

“I want this one.” Peter said, pointing to the tiny slime creature. 

Tony would make that happen. “Alright. Tell mom what you want then you need to go to the bathroom.” 

“I don’t need to go.” 

“Pete, yes you do. We’ll be quick.” 

“Nooo. I already went in the car.” 

Tony decided if he wanted to put up a fight with him about this but it had to be done either way so he ran his fingers through Peter’s curly hair. “I’ll get you the slime toy if you come with me now.” 

“Fine.” Peter began walking towards the bathroom so Tony took Pepper’s bag and followed him. “I wanna go into the girls bathroom.” 

“No. We’re going into this one.” He nudged Peter into the boy bathroom, following him in. 

“Why? Cause I’ve got balls.” 

Tony chuckled but was used to talks like this. “Exactly, Pete. Don’t touch anything. Just go into this stall.” Peter touched the wall and Tony pushed his hand away. “What did I just say?” 

“You said poopy poopy butt.” 

“Do not touch anything.” 

Peter looked around. “But there’s nowhere for me to lie down.” 

“Good. You know how many germs are in this bathroom. Let’s make this quick.” Tony squatted down in front of Peter, tugging his track pants down and pulling his diaper off, tossing it on the floor for now. “Hey. Stand still.” 

“I’m hungry.” Peter announced, holding his sweater up. “I just wanna eat a cheeseburger with extra pickles. Yummy.” 

“You love your pickles.” Tony pulled out a few wipes, trying to be quick. “Do you want cream on? Or not yet?” 

“Cream. Lots.” Peter bounced on his toes, being told to stop for the fifth time so he focused on the top of his dad’s head. “You have curly hair on the top of your head. But straight in the front.” 

Tony appreciated Peter’s odd observations. “Yep. Guess who you got your curly hair from.” 

“Uhh… Aiser.” 

“Exactly.” Tony would have ruffled his hair if his fingers weren’t covered in thick, white cream. He wiped them off and opened a clean diaper up. 

“I need to go pee first.” 

Tony cringed. “Pete. Just go once I put this on you.” 

“But…” Peter pointed at the toilet. “Mom wants me to go in a toilet.” 

“Not in a public toilet. It’s disgusting and I don’t want you to get sick.” Tony slid it between Peter’s legs, tapping up the sides tightly and pulling his pants up then standing up himself to stretch his legs. “All done. Let’s go wash our hands and go eat.” 

Peter opened the stall door and skipped towards the sink. “Yay!” He got his hands washed, dried them on his pants then ran out of the bathroom before Tony could even wash his hands. 

“Peter, you can’t do that. Peter.” Tony grabbed his arm. “You can’t be running wild like that. I can’t see you when you just run away like that.” 

Peter looked down at his feet. “But I wanted to eat.” 

“I know. But someone can take you if I don’t have my eyes on you.” Tony explained to him… again. Peter thought that because Steve was dead and Bucky was locked up, no one could kidnap him or hurt him. 

“No. There’s no bad men.” He shrugged. 

“Baby, I know, but you still need to stay where I can see you. Okay?” 

“Okay.” Peter waited until his dad began walking so he walked ahead of him, looking back every so often to make sure he was watching him still. He spotted his family sitting on bar stools so Peter ran over, climbing on an empty one and spinning in it. “Did you order me a cheeseburger, mom?” 

“Just like you asked for.” Pepper handed Peter his happy meal. “Here. Did you wash your hands?” 

“No. I rubbed my hands all over the toilet seat.” Peter sarcastically said as he reached into his bag, shoving a bunch of fries into his mouth. 

Tony didn’t expect that sass but he loved it. 

“Wow, Pete, you actually do understand sarcasm.” Harley patted his brother on the back. “And here I was thinking it went way over your head.” 

Peter gave him a dirty look and stole one of his fries. “Shut up.” 

“Peter.” Pepper warned. “We don’t say shut up in this family.” 

“Okay.” Peter watched his dad sit down at the opposite end of the table and let out a whine. “Mmmm! Sit next to me.” 

“Then come sit here.” Tony patted the seat beside him so Peter slid off the chair and made his way over with his food, climbing back onto a chair. 

“My daddy.” 

“My baby.” Tony replied, pulling the back of his shirt down. 

Peter ended up eating everything. He always did if it was McDonald’s, healthy food was where they struggled to get him to eat. 

The Stark’s were back on the road, trying to get to their destination before anything crazy happened to them. Peter and Morgan were watching the same show, eating goldfish and Harley was on his phone in the back. Tony was just glad none of his kids were demanding things from him. 

Tony pulled down the street where the cabin was. “Guys. Look out the window and guess where we are.” 

“At the cabin?!” Peter screeched. 

“Almost. Do you see it?” It was snowing out and the fresh, fallen snow on the ground was going to make this little trip a lot of fun. Tony pulled into the driveway, pulling up in front of the house. It was their little cottage in the woods they could escape to anytime they wanted so it was definitely worth having it, even if they hadn’t been there in two years. 

Peter turned his iPad off. “Unbuckle me. I wanna go inside. I can’t even remember what it looks like.” 

“Last time we were here, you were twelve.” Pepper tried to remember what Peter was like at twelve. Twelve was a difficult year for them because he was really starting to heal and accept what Steve did to him, to all of them, so he was angry and snappy most of the time. Karen helped a lot with that but that’s when the bed wetting started full force. Fourteen was an even more difficult age. They didn’t think it could get any more difficult than this. 

Tony opened up the back door, getting Peter out first. “We’re going to go over rules before we start playing.” 

“Ewww. Stupid rules.” 

“Rules are in every place we stay at.” 

Peter knew that. He ran around to the other side and opened the door up so Morgan could jump out. “Let’s race to the front door.” 

“Tony, just bring in Peter’s suitcase. Leave the rest for now.” Pepper told him and he already knew why.

“We still have to go grocery shopping. Let’s just keep him in a diaper until we’re settled.” Tony felt it was easier for everyone this way. 

“No. He wore one on the ride up. The grocery store is twenty minutes away. He doesn’t need a diaper.” She pulled the suitcase out of the trunk herself. “His underwear is in here.” 

Tony didn’t agree with her. “I’ll put him in a pull-up.” 

“Underwear, Tony. I don’t want him to get into the habit of peeing whenever he needs to go.” Pepper grabbed the keys from Tony and joined her kids by the front door so Tony followed her, not wanting to miss anything. 

She unlocked the door and Aiser pushed his way in first, sniffing around. Peter was next and then Morgan. “This way!” Morgan grabbed her brother’s arm and pulled him to their playroom down the hall, filled with their old toys. “Woah. My dolls are still here.” 

Peter looked for his old toys but the rocking horse caught his attention instead. “It’s so dusty.” He wiped it off and climbed on, showing his dad his riding skills when Tony walked in. “Look at me!” 

“Wow, Pete. Don’t fall off.” Tony looked around. They’ve only spent a handful of nights in this small but cozy cabin but they’ve made such amazing memories. “Guys. Before we play, let’s go into the living room and talk about some rules.” 

Peter stopped rocking and climbed off, running into the living room to get there first. “Mom. It’s cold. What’re you doing?” He asked curiously, seeing her dig in his suitcase. 

“Finding your underwear.” 

“Mm!” Peter turned onto his stomach. He didn’t want to wear them. “No. I don’t wanna.” He took his track pants off, tossing them at his mom but missing her. “Mm!” 

“Hey. None of that.” 

“Mm!” 

The rest of his family joined him so Peter rolled onto his back, stretching his legs out onto the coffee table in front of him. Tony clapped his hands together. “Alright. All of you guys listen to me. We’re in a new place so that means rules. Just like we have rules at home.” 

Peter sat up. “Actually it’s not a new place. We’ve been here before.” 

“Thank you for the reminder, Peter.” Tony wanted to stay on track. “The number one rule is, no leaving the house without an adult or without telling someone where you’re going.” Tony pointed towards the windows. “There’s a lake out there and I don’t want anyone falling through the ice. If I see-” 

“The fish do that.” 

“Peter. Quiet. If I see anyone breaking that rule,” He looked at Peter and Morgan especially. “you will be put on a timeout. Do you understand?” 

Peter stood up to stand in front of his dad. “But if you break that rule, I put you on a timeout?” 

“No. Because I won’t break that rule. I know better. I will be putting you on a timeout and you won’t be happy about it.” 

Peter sat on his lap. “And Aiser? Wait-but and mom?” 

“Mom knows better too. Can you go sit back down. And where are your pants?” 

Peter shrugged but joined Morgan again on the couch. She pulled one of the straps off and Peter screamed. “Nooo! Don’t! You broke it!” 

Harley reached over to fix it so he didn’t have to listen to that crying. “It’s not broken. Look.” 

Peter had to wipe the fake tears off his cheeks. “Okay. Don’t do that again!” He pointed a finger at her and when Morgan slapped his hand away, Peter grabbed her arm, biting her. 

“Hey- Peter.” Tony immediately stood up to pull Peter off of her. “Peter, you do not bite.” He felt like he should be talking to Aiser like this, not his son. “Are you okay, Morgan?” 

Morgan debated on milking it but decided better of that and nodded, examining the bite mark. “I need ice! Look at it. He needs to go in a timeout!” 

“No!” 

“Okay. Hey. Stop it. Can we just sit nicely for ten minutes and go over the rules.” By now, Tony knew there was no easy way of doing things with three kids, although that’s what made life fun and interesting. And stressful. And overwhelming. And all of the other emotions. 

“I am! It’s all his fault!” Morgan stood up on the couch and slapped Peter’s leg so Peter threw himself back in Tony’s arms, screaming like he’s just been stabbed. 

“Okay. Pepper, can you give him some milk to calm down so we can finish our family meeting.” Tony placed Peter on the floor to let him kick and scream for literally no reason at all. 

Pepper was already thinking of doing that. The car ride was too long for them. She returned with a bottle and once Peter saw it, he started reaching for it so Pepper handed it to him, pulling him to cuddle with her on the couch and calm down in her arms. 

“Alright. Let’s just listen, yeah.” Peter looked tired, Tony could see it in his eyes. Why didn’t he nap on the way up? “Rule number two, no locking doors. This house is old, the locks are broken and I don’t want any getting stuck on you guys. The final rule, no going into the basement without asking mom or me first. There’s pointy and rusty things down there.” 

“But it’s finished.” 

Tony looked at Harley. “I know. But the laundry room and the furnace are down there. I don’t want any tiny fingers poking around down there without mom or I there.” He looked at Peter and silently cooed at him. He looked so content in Pepper’s arms, Tony loved him so much but they had to work on his biting. It was something he did when he got worked up. 

“Are those all the rules?” Asked Morgan, eager to go play. 

“Yep. Just three. But I expect them all to be followed.” 

“So I can go play now?” She asked, jumping to her feet. 

“Tony, I can go grocery shopping. You stay here with them and I’ll be back in like two hours.” Pepper suggested and Tony actually liked that idea a lot better. He honestly didn’t feel like going out in public. 

He stood up to take Peter from her. “Yeah. Let’s do that instead. Come with me, bud.” He lifted Peter into his arms but Peter was done with his bottle already so he straightened his legs to be put on his feet. “Alright. You go play then. Peter. I don’t want to hear that you’ve bitten anyone. Alright?” 

Peter gave a sharp nod and followed Morgan into the playroom, getting back on the horse. “Look how fast I can go.” 

“I’d laugh if you fell off.” She teased. 

Their laughter could be heard from down the hallway and Tony loved to hear it. He turned the heat down, since it was getting too hot. They had controls of everything inside the house on his and Pepper’s phones so they blasted the heat when they left the house. A bit too much though. 

“I’ll come with you, mom.” Harley volunteered. 

“So you’re leaving me alone with two clowns.” 

“No. Three. Aisers here too.” Harley laughed at his father’s future stress. 

“Oh.” Tony waved him off. “Aiser is more controlled than the two of them put together.” It was true, and Tony wasn’t ashamed to admit it. It made parenting just a little bit more fun. “Before you go, Harls, just help me grab the suitcases from the van.” 

While they were doing that, Peter jumped off the horse and stood in the corner of the playroom, farting. He giggled, looking at Morgan. 

“Ewww!” She plugged her nose. “That’s gross.” 

Peter farted again. “Hahaha!” 

“Ewwww! I’m telling on you.” 

“I’m allowed to fart!” 

“No! You’re going poop! Petey pooped his pants! Petey pooped his pants!” Morgan teased, sticking her tongue out at her brother for good measure. 

Tony walked into the playroom. He hadn’t even been alone with them for a minute yet and already this. “It smells like poo in here. Peter.” 

Peter shook his head. “Not me.” 

“It is! He pooped his pants!” Morgan stood up to back away from him. 

“Peter. Did you?” Toby asked, slowly approaching Peter like a wounded animal. 

“No.” 

“Then what are you doing?” 

Peter moved away until his back hit the wall. “Nothing. Go away, dad. I’m not doing anything.” Tony grabbed Peter’s arm, lifting him over the pile of toys and placing him on his feet in front of him, pulling back the diaper. “I told you I don’t go.” 

“No. But you need to, so go sit on the toilet.” 

“No. Not that one. It’s scary.” 

Oh no. Not this again. Tony brought a toilet seat cover for a reason. He walked into the living room and grabbed it off the floor then walked back into the playroom. “Peter. My poopy diaper changing days are over. Let’s go sit on the toilet.” 

“A snake is gonna go into my butt hole.” Peter was scared of that. Harley told him the cabin was probably filled with snakes since no ones been inside for over two years and now it was in Peter’s head. 

“Pete, there are no snakes here. Maybe you’ll see one or two in the summer but that’s it. I’ll stay with you.” 

“I’m coming too.” Morgan stood up to follow but Tony didn’t think that was appropriate and wanted to save Peter at least some bit of childhood embarrassment when he’s older. 

“I need you to clean this playroom up, Morg. Put the old toys you don’t want anymore in a pile.” 

“But I want all my toys.” 

“Then start dusting.” Tony took Peter’s hand and brought him into the bathroom, taking off his diaper so Peter could immediately sit on the toilet seat once the cushioned seat was placed down. “See, not so scary.” Tony pulled up a stool, sitting in front of him. 

He couldn’t imagine having an audience for this but it was Peter’s choice. “I don’t want to go in the toilet.” 

“Then where will you go?” 

“Nowhere.” 

Peter looked around the dirty bathroom. It definitely needed a cleaning but there were no snakes in there. A cleaner came once a month just to make sure the place wasn’t falling apart. 

Morgan appeared in the doorway at the same time as Aiser walked in. “Hey. Guys. Give us some privacy, what is this?” 

“Aiser wants water.” 

Tony sighed. He forgot about that. “Alright. Can you wait here while I get him water? I’ll be right back.” 

“Fine. Keep the door open.” 

He filled up a water bowl, placing it on the floor, making a mental reminder to refill it every hour. They had an automatic one at home but of course they didn’t bring it. 

“Dad. Wipe my butt.” 

Tony walked back down the hallway to help Peter now. “Did you go?” 

“Obviously if I’m asking you to wipe my butt.” 

Tony rolled his eyes at the sass and did that with no problems, he was an expert now. “Hey. Wash your hands.” 

Peter continued to walk out of the bathroom. “I didn’t wipe my butt. You did.” He walked back into the playroom and saw a pile of his toys. “Heyyy! That’s mine. Not to give away.” 

Tony groaned, pulling Peter out to the living room. “Put some underwear and pants on before you go play.” 

Peter stomped his foot. “No.” 

“I’m not asking. Put it on or you can’t play.” 

Peter stomped his foot again. “No!” 

“Alright.” Tony grabbed his underwear and put it back in the suitcase. “Then you can’t join Morgan and I.” 

That got Peter’s attention. “What are you guys doing?” 

“We’re going to make salt dough handprints.” Tony came up with that at the top of his head and he thought it was pretty cool. It would be fun. “Only kids wearing underwear can make them.” 

“But I want to.” He whined, giving Tony puppy dog eyes and hoping he would give in. 

“We want you to join us too.” Tony said, giving Peter his full attention. “But you can’t make it without underwear.” 

Peter huffed. “I can make it in a diaper?” 

“No diapers.” 

“But… I don’t have any underwear.” 

“Would you like me to get a pair for you?” Peter nodded, a bit unsure. He carefully watched his dad get one out of the suitcase and then walk around the couch. “Do you want to get it on by yourself or would you like help?” 

“Um…” Peter chewed on his finger and looked around. “Um… uh…” He sat down on the couch with a sigh. “I dunno.” 

“Alright. How about I hold it out for you then you step into it.” Tony was trying so hard but he didn’t know what to do. He wanted to be better for Peter and help him but he was honestly at a loss. 

Peter stuck his feet out, letting his dad do the rest. “Can you-you pull it up now.” He stood up, letting his dad do that then Peter skipped into the kitchen. “Salt dough time.” 

Tony realized that they didn’t even have any of the ingredients to make the salt dough but they did have food colouring so he grabbed bowls and filled it up with warm water then placed them on the counters. “Come sit, guys. Let’s mix colours to see what we end up with. Who wants to go first?” 

Both of them raised their hands up. Tony picked Peter to do it first, only because he knew he would whine about not being picked first. He was still getting used to having siblings; Tony knew it was a big adjustment from the eyes of Peter. 

Moving into a new home with random people who claim to love you and already know you, all while grieving the old life you had that's now over because your kidnapper lied to you about everything you’ve ever known. Oh. And you’ve now got an older brother and a younger sister. So yeah, Peter was still adjusting to not being the centre of attention 24/7… although he pretty much always was. 

Tony proudly watched Peter squeeze the blue food colouring into the bowl then it was going in Peter’s mouth next. He should have expected that. “Nope. Don’t eat it.” 

“Why?” 

“Because it’ll stain your stomach blue.” Tony didn’t actually know why but he’s sure it couldn’t be good. It was a dye after all. 

“Then I pee blue?” 

“Not den. Then. Then.” Morgan corrected him, holding her hand out for the blue now. 

“Morg, that’s just how he says it. He’s saying the right word.” Tony explained to her. He thought it was cute. Peter struggled pronouncing some letters and words because of his thumb sucking, Tony thought it was really cute. 

Peter shrugged. “It’s not my fault. I just say the words.” 

“But you say it wrong so much.” 

“Alright guys. This isn’t English class. Focus up. Your turn, Morg.” Tony handed her the blue but Peter took it back. “Hey! Give it!” 

“My turn isn’t over yet!” 

“Yes it is!” 

Tony was going to lock both of them in separate rooms if they kept this up. “Stop! Why can’t you guys get along. C’mon. Peter, it’s Morgan’s turn. Then it’s your turn.” 

“Then when’s it your turn?” 

“Then.” Morgan corrected him and both boys turned to give Morgan a look. 

“Morgan, that’s how he pronounces words. Alright. You have a lisp and say some words incorrectly too. So stop picking on him.” 

“Yeah!” Peter crossed his arms, looking at her. 

“Stop.” Tony warned him. 

“Okay.” Peter sat back down on his knees. 

“Let’s all get along now, alright? Your turn, Morgan.” Tony was glad the fighting between the two stopped… for now. 

They had five bowls with five different colours mixed together and the simple activity was actually a hit. Tony handed Peter the red food colouring, and loved watching his face light up when the colour changed. Even if it was a nasty brown colour now. “Wow, guys. It looks like a chocolate colour now.” 

“Brownie colour.” Peter clarified, then he looked down at himself and then up at his dad. 

Tony knew that face. He stepped back to see the wet spot on the front of Peter’s pants and now on the chair and floor. “Oh, Peter. Why did you go pee?” 

“Peter peed?” Morgan got off her chair to walk around the kitchen island, getting a good look. 

“Morgan. Stop. Pete, you have to tell me.” 

Peter just sat there, looking between Tony and Morgan. 

“Peter. I don’t want this to keep happening. And I know you don’t either. You need to tell me, Peter. Or just go. In the toilet.” Tony lifted Peter off the stool and placed him on his feet. “Let’s go get you changed then.” 

“I’m gonna tell mom when she comes home.” 

“No. Don’t.” Peter grabbed onto Tony’s hand desperately. “I don’t want you to tell mom.” 

Tony couldn’t keep this from her, she needed to know what was going on with their kid. “Mom needs to know too. She won’t get upset.” 

“No.” 

Tony ushered him into the bathroom after grabbing another pair of track pants and underwear. “How about I tell her then.” 

Peter didn’t respond and simply stood there while he got changed and cleaned up then the smile was back on his face and he walked into the kitchen to join Morgan. “Look. New pants who dis.” 

Both of them laughed at the joke. “New phone who dis!” Morgan yelled, making Peter laugh even harder. 

Tony didn’t understand what they were saying but he loved to hear them laugh while he was cleaning up the pee from the floor and the chair. 

“Dad? Dad?” 

“Yeah?” 

“Can we make salt dough now?” 

“No, we need flour and eggs. And salt. We literally have nothing here.” He finished up, washing his hands next. 

Peter fell to the floor dramatically. “Nooo. We’re gonna starve.” 

“No ones gonna starve. Get up or I’ll use you as a mop.” Tony nudged him with his foot. “How about we go upstairs and check out the rooms. We haven’t even been up there yet.” 

Both of them jumped to their feet. “Yay!” Tony followed them upstairs, almost getting kicked in the face when Peter decided to kick back like a horse on his way up. 

“This way.” Peter opened the door, seeing two beds in there. “This was our room, remember?” He jumped onto one of the beds, sniffing it. “Mm. It smells good. I thought it was going to smell musty.” 

“Someone came to wash everything before we came.” Tony joined him on the bed, patting his butt. 

“What?! A random person came in here?” With a loud gasp, Peter sat up, tilting his head at his father. 

Tony loved that famous head tilt he did. “Not a random person. The person I pay to clean the cabin and make sure no snakes are in the toilets.” He teased Peter, poking his sides to get him to laugh. 

“Ha! I knew it! There are snakes in the toilet.” Peter slid off the bed, crossing his arms over his chest for good measure. 

Tony knew better than to tease Peter about that. They didn’t need anymore reasons for Peter to refuse to use the bathroom. 

“Petey?” 

“What?” 

“Can you sleep in here with me tonight?” 

Tony and Peter both looked at each other, both thinking the same thing. 

“It’s up to you, buddy.” 

“No. I wanna sleep with you and mom.” Peter wrapped his arms around Tony for good measure, wanting to keep him close. “Forever and ever and ever and ever.” 

“Alright, if that’s what you want.” Tony stood up, keeping Peter in his arms and extending a hand out for Morgan. “Let’s go check out mine and mom's room.” 

“And mine.” Peter added. 

“And Peter’s. Of course.” He turned the old door handle and placed Peter on his feet, letting the two of them jump on the bed while Tony went into the bathroom to see how clean it was, he paid the maid big bucks so it was spotless. 

“What are you looking at?” Peter came up behind him, brushing against Tony’s large arm. “It smells like cinnamon in here.” 

“It does, doesn’t it.” He ruffled his soft, curly hair but Peter was running out of the bathroom, jumping back onto the bed with Morgan. 

“You can't sleep here with us tonight though. Just me.” 

Morgan glared at her brother. “I don’t care. I can sleep by myself like a big girl. You’re a baby. Wa wa.” She whispered so their dad didn’t hear. 

Peter didn’t like to be called a baby. He turned to the bathroom door that was half open, the light coming through to the bedroom but no sight of his dad. “No I’m not a baby.” 

“Are to.” 

“Are not.” 

“You suck your thumb like a baby. Wa wa.” She teased the sensitive boy and flicked his leg to get him wired up. “Ha ha!” 

“Hey! Daddy!” 

So much for them getting along. Tony walked into the bedroom upon hearing his name called. Peter was pouting and Morgan looked smug so he already knew what was going on. “What happened?” 

“Morgan-Morgan-she-she-she says-she says I’m a baby. Cause I suck my thumb.” It took awhile for Peter to get that out in his emotional state. 

“Is this true, Morgan?” 

“It is!” Peter strongly insisted. 

“Wait, Peter. Let Morgan tell me now.” They both looked to her but she turned away, her arms crossed over her chest stubbornly. “Morgan. That wasn’t very nice to say that to your brother. You hurt his feelings.” 

“I wish he was still three!” Morgan yelled angrily. Tony sometimes wished that too… “Then we could all go back to the beginning without his other dad!” 

Both Tony and Peter flinched. 

Peter pulled away from Tony to sit up on his knees, smacking Morgan in the face. “Not my other dad!” He screamed. 

“Alright, Pete, just breathe, Morgan, how about you go take a few breaths then we can talk about how you’re feeling-” 

“No!” Morgan slid off the bed. “I’m feeling that Steve took Peter away when he was three so I want Peter to be three again. Not his age.” 

Peter waved his arm out, trying to hit her. “No!” 

So Tony stood up, swinging Peter onto his hip. “Morgan. How about you go to your room for ten minutes to calm down? Do you want to go on your iPad to help you?” 

“My room is hours and hours away!” 

“Then do you want to stay in this room?” Tony was trying to remain calm. He had to be the calm one and understand that they were all dealing with their families trauma differently. 

“Yes.” Morgan sat by the window looking out onto the frozen lake, pulling her feet up. 

“Alright. We’ll be downstairs if you need us.” 

Tony got downstairs and placed Peter on his feet, walking into the living room to move over some of the suitcases so they could sit but when he looked back at Peter, pee was soaking through his track pants and making a puddle under him on the floor. 

“Uh oh.” Peter said, looking up at Tony for his reaction. 

Tony wasn’t upset. Just concerned. And a bit frustrated because this was the second time in an hour. “It’s okay, Peter. Remember what I said about you letting me know when you need to go?” Peter nodded. “Why didn’t you tell me? Or just go?” 

Peter shrugged, his thumb going into his mouth. 

“Alright. Stay here while I get paper towel.” 

The front door opened just then and Pepper and Harley walked in, carrying a ton of grocery bags. “There’s way more where this came from.” Pepper placed them on the floor in the kitchen, giving Tony a kiss on the cheek and spotting Peter standing there with wet pants. “Oh. What happened, Peter?” 

“I peed.” Peter explained, pointing down at himself. 

“Oh baby. Why did you go pee in your pants?” 

Peter shrugged just like he had with Tony. 

“This is the second time this happened since you left. Two times.” Tony briefly explained to Pepper as he laid a ton of paper towels on the floor. “Step on this one, Peter. Dry your feet.” 

Pepper didn’t want to talk about it in front of Peter who was listening to every word they were saying. “Alright. We’ll talk later. Where’s Morgan?” 

“Upstairs. We’ll talk later.” Tony simply explained then lifted Peter up, holding him uncomfortably against his side as to get no pee on him. “I want you to sit on the toilet and try to go. I don’t like that you’ve had two accidents, baby. What’s happening? You’ve never had accidents like this before.” 

Peter looked away and thought back to when he was younger, he always did. He didn’t know what his dad was talking about. 

Tony finished wiping his lower half clean and left him on the toilet to get a few things. Pepper cleaned up the pee on the floor thankfully. “So he peed twice?” 

“Yep. Once in the kitchen. Then here.” 

“Do you know why?” 

“I can try to guess why it happened the second time but the first time, we were all having fun. So I don’t know.” Tony whispered, digging in the suitcase for a diaper. “Where’s the diapers?” 

“In the box right there.” Pepper watched him grab a stack from the box. “You’re gonna put him in one?” 

“Yeah… I mean, two times in an hour. I’m not cleaning up wet pants and puddles on the floor the whole time we’re here. I don’t know why he’s doing this.” Tony would love to know, but he didn’t so he didn’t know how to deal with it. 

Pepper couldn’t argue with that. “I know. Alright.” 

Tony felt bad for him. He walked into the bathroom, watching Peter stare at his feet before he spoke up. “Hey. Did you go?” 

“I dunno.” 

“What do you mean, Pete? How don’t you know?” He tried not to show his concern as he asked that. Peter just shrugged so Tony looked between his legs, into the water. He couldn’t tell. “I’m gonna put a diaper on you, alright?” 

“To wear for all day?” 

“Yeah. Is that okay?” 

“Yeah.” Peter got off the toilet, allowing Tony to put it on him. “Cause all my underwear is dirty?” 

“No. You still have some clean ones. I’m putting you in a diaper cause you keep peeing in your pants, kid. I don’t know why you’re doing that.” Tony said to him in a playful tone, causing Peter to giggle shyly at him. Tony was concerned but he didn’t want to show Peter that and cause him to worry. 

“I dunno.” Peter walked out of the bathroom after, heading straight for the kitchen to see what snacks his mom and brother brought back. “Did you get any chocolate?” Peter climbed up on the kitchen stool to get a good look. “Mom! Mom! Did you get me chocolate? Mom?” 

“Aw I’m sorry, I didn’t get you any chocolate, Petey.” 

“It’s okay.” Peter slid off the stool and ran around the kitchen island but he bumped into Harley and fell onto his butt. “Oof. Why’s your big body in the way! I’m tryna walk here!” 

Harley helped him back onto his feet. “Why’s your small body running into me.” He teased and got a glare in return. 

Tony wanted to talk to Pepper privately without Peter hearing that he was talking about him. “Pete, how about you take your brother into the playroom and show him your old toys you dug up.” 

Peter climbed onto the counter to reach for his milk bottle. “Where is it?” 

“What’re you looking for?” 

“I want milk.” Peter said. Tony just wanted him to go into the playroom so he grabbed a bottle and filled it up, handing it to Harley. “Hey. He don’t need milk.” 

“Take him into the playroom. Please. Keep him busy.” Tony saw Peter attacking Harley for the bottle but at least it wasn’t him. 

“Come, Peter. Hey. Stop trying to get it. Your arms are short.” Harley walked into the playroom, shutting the glass doors behind them and placing the bottle on top of a high shelf. “I’ll give you your milk if you fight me. C’mon. Let’s see what you’ve got.” 

Peter let out a loud sigh. “Alright. But I need two sips first.” 

Harley gave in, handing him the bottle and watching him take a few sips then handing it back. “Okay. You ready. Get into position.” 

“I already am.” Peter swung his leg out, hitting Harley in the shin. “Are you in position?” 

“Oh. You asked for it.” Harley missed play fighting with his little brother. He used to play fight with him when he was a toddler and got told off for being too rough after making him cry a few times. Once they got comfortable with each other again, Harley would play fight with him and it was a lot more fun the older he got. 

As long as he stayed small, Harley could easily toss him around. 

.

.

.

Tony watched Peter chase after Harley and heard the door shut, then he turned to Pepper and began putting the food away while he explained what was going on. 

“So, Pete, Morgan and I went upstairs just to check out the bedrooms, they were jumping on the bed, having fun and Morgan starts getting upset, saying she wants Peter to be three again.” 

“Seriously?” Pepper had to pause what she was doing to fully focus on what Tony was saying. 

“Yeah. So Peter got super upset because Morgan was saying his other dad to him,” Tony explained using quotations around the words. “it was quite frustrating for Peter. Then I took him downstairs and he peed his pants, so…” 

“Do you think it has anything to do with Steve being mentioned?” 

Tony honestly didn’t know. He could assume so. “Maybe. The first time he did it though, we were just having fun in the kitchen. I don’t know what’s going on with him down there.” 

He put away Oreos but opened the bag up first, popping one into his mouth. 

“Was he upset over it?” 

Tony heard footsteps running towards him. “He was at first-” 

“Dad! I want one!” 

“Want what?” 

“An Oreo. I heard you open it.” Peter held his hand out, looking for the package. “Actually two. No. Three.” 

Tony had no idea how he heard it. “Geez kid. You’re like a cat with the cat treat bag. Here, take three and go.” 

Peter ran off again so Tony put three in a bowl and poured a glass of milk for Morgan. “I gotta go talk to her. I’ll be back.” 

So off Tony went upstairs and into what was supposed to be Peter’s and Morgan’s bedroom but it was just Morgan’s bedroom this trip. He knocked on the door before opening it. 

“Hey. What are you up to?” He shut the door behind him, taking in how quiet but cozy the room was. 

There were two double size beds pushed together from the last time they slept there when Peter and Morgan wanted to sleep together then there was an area rug in the middle of the room, two windows looking out to the side of the forest and two toy chests placed as far away from one another as possible. 

Tony remembered dragging them there two years ago because they were both crying over their toys getting mixed up and it ended up together anyways. 

He smiled to himself then looked back at Morgan. 

“Just drawing a picture.” 

Tony took a seat next to her on the floor to look at the picture. It was of their family by what looked like the lake house. Tony was holding Peter’s hand but he was drawn super tiny than everyone else. 

“Why is Peter smaller than you? He’s not the youngest.” 

Morgan pointed at the bottle in his hand. “Cause he's three here. I’m eleven. Harley is twenty. You’re dad, there. And that’s mom.” 

“Very nice. But Petey isn’t three anymore, Morg.” Tony gently said, knowing Morgan was upset about something but Tony didn’t know what. 

“I know. He can be sometimes. I drawed him that way.” 

Tony hummed and looked on the floor, spotting another drawing that looked rather concerning. It was a drawing of Peter, it was obvious it was him judging by his curly hair and big brown eyes. 

But the concerning thing was the dark figure behind Peter. The figure looked like a shadow with no face and it was scratched out. He placed it in front of Morgan. “What’s this?” 

“Oh. That’s Peter in the before.” 

“In the before what?” 

“Before ten.” 

Tony tried to think. “Before he was ten?” A nod. “So what’s this figure behind him? It looks like you scratched it out.” 

“Yeah. That’s Steve. I cut his head off with my crayon until he died. Now he’s dead and he’s in the forest outside.” 

That gave Tony chills. What the actual fuck. 

“Oh.” He didn’t even know what to say. “He’s not in the forest, Morgan. Steve… he died. He’s not here.” 

“Yes he is. He’s in the forest. You found Peter dead in the forest. So Steve’s there too.” 

Okay. Tony didn’t like this conversation. “Stop this, Morgan. Peter isn’t… dead.” That was hard for him to even say. “I found Peter in a house, a house on a small street in the forest. And he wasn’t dead. He was drugged so he was unconscious.” 

Morgan looked in the bowl and bit one of the cookies. “Okay. I just thought that’s what happened.” 

Tony was really concerned. “Alright… don’t be telling your brother Steve is in the forest. You’re going to scare him.” 

He looked at the drawing again. It was very… scary to say the least. He placed it on the floor where he found it and rubbed Morgan’s back. “Alright. You keep drawing. I’m gonna head downstairs.” He stood up, kissing her on the head. “Come down when you’re ready.” 

Tony walked downstairs and walked in on a wrestling rink. Harley was pinning Peter down and poking at his sides, causing Peter to buckle underneath him in an attempt to get free. “Who’s winning?” He plopped down next to Pepper on the large bean bag chair. 

“Me!” Peter yelled from under Harley then managed to wiggle out and crawl over to his dad, sitting on his lap. “Hi.” 

“Aw.” Harley wiped the sweat off his forehead from that workout. “Dad’s here so now all of Peter’s attention is going on you.” 

Tony rubbed Peter’s sweaty back. “You’re so sweaty, baby. Go fight with Harley some more. Go.” 

Peter was here to stay now. “But you’re so comfortable.” 

Tony couldn’t resist that. He patted his butt, just grateful to be here in this moment with Peter. “So who won the fight?” 

“Me! I did. Cause I’m actually stronger than Harley. He looks bigger but I actually am.” Peter showed Tony his muscles but there was nothing there so he was just showing him his skinny arm. 

“Wow, Pete. Very strong.” Tony could wrap his whole hand around Peter’s upper arm. “It’s all that milk you’ve been drinking.” 

Peter grinned and grabbed onto his dad’s upper arm. “Flex your arm.” Peter squeezed the muscle. “Wow, daddy. You’ve been drinking milk too.” 

Tony chucked. He only drank milk in his coffee or cereal. 

“Dad, we should go to the gym together.” Harley suggested but Tony honestly didn’t think he had the energy for that. Plus Peter was like ninety pounds so he was doing quite the workout everyday lifting him up. 

“How about we do something else together. The gym and I don't go well together anymore I’m afraid, buddy.” 

Peter jumped on his stomach, making Tony grunt. “Why?” 

“Pete, watch it.” Tony had to hold his hips to stop him from doing that again. “And because why do I need to lift weights when I can lift you. Ninety pounds of pure cuteness. And milk.” 

“Not me.” Peter laid his head on his dad’s chest as Morgan walked into the playroom, papers in hand. She took a seat next to her mom, eyes not leaving Peter. “Hi Morgan. Did you go in timeout?” 

“No. I didn’t break any rules.” 

Peter sat up. “Me neither. I’ve been good.” He turned to his dad for clarification and when Tony nodded, Peter grinned and slid off his dad’s lap to crawl over to the toy bin. “Do you want to play with me, Morgan?” 

“No.” Morgan pulled a package of crayons out from her pocket and began colouring but that got Peter’s attention. 

“Mine.” He attempted grabbing a crayon from her but Tony stopped him. He didn’t need anymore fighting tonight. 

“Hey. Peter. Do not take that from your sister.” He warned, watching Peter carefully. 

“But…” Peter tried to think of a good reason. “It’s mine.” 

“Noo. It’s mine!” 

Peter crawled over to his dad, whispering in his ear. “I want it too.” 

“Baby. She’s playing nicely with it now. You let her play then if she says yes, you can play with the crayons later.” Tony knew this was hard for Peter. Sharing wasn’t his strong skill. Plus he knew Morgan wasn’t in the best mood right now anyways so he didn’t want Peter taking any crayons from her. “You play nicely.” 

Reluctantly, Peter crawled off his dad's lap and looked back at him. “Where you going?” 

He saw Tony stand up so he was curious and the separation anxiety was making him feel nervous, even if the furthest Tony would go would be a few rooms away. 

“Mom and I are gonna go have some quiet time and we won’t have to come and break up any fights, right?” He looked at all of his kids for this. 

When everyone gave him a nod, he took Pepper’s hand and left, bringing her into the living room to hopefully relax for at least fifteen minutes before they were needed again. 

Peter sat there, looking between his brother and sister. Morgan was colouring and Harley was lying there, looking at him. Peter decided he still wanted to colour with Morgan so he scooted over to her. “Can I colour with you?” 

“No. I’m colouring by myself.” Morgan sat up on her butt, grabbing the pile of papers she already drew on. “But do you wanna see what I already drew?” 

“Uh huh.” 

Morgan began flipping through the papers to find it. “Oh! Here.” She placed the drawing of Peter with the scratched-out figure in the back. “This is you.” 

Peter turned the paper around to face him. It was scary and he didn’t like it. 

“And that’s Steve.” Morgan explained. Harley moved closer to see it now. 

“No. It’s not!” Peter did not like that. “Don’t say that.” 

“Steve lives in the forest outside. That’s why I had to draw him to scratch him out.” Morgan pushed the paper closer to Peter so he turned to crawl away. 

“That’s scary!” He cried. “No! He’s away.” 

“Geez, Morgan. That’s some dark stuff. Why would you draw this?” Harley was even a bit freaked out from the drawing and he wasn’t a traumatized fourteen year old. 

Morgan pointed towards the window. “Steve is out there. He lives in the forest.” 

“Stop saying that to him. You’re making stuff up and it’s scaring him.” Harley rose to his feet and went to comfort Peter but he was full on sobbing now. 

“That’s scary!” He opened the door and ran out of the playroom in search of his dad. “Daddy!” He sobbed, needing him. 

Tony heard the crying and was immediately on his feet, watching Peter run down the hallway and demand to be picked up. “What’s wrong? Huh, baby?” He assumed Morgan said no to him again or something. 

Harley was following after him and then Morgan was, a paper in hand. 

“Why’s he crying?” He asked Harley, knowing he was the only reasonable person to give him the right answer. 

“Morgan showed him some creepy ass drawing and said… Steve’s in the forest.” He explained, feeling bad for his little bro who was already so sensitive. 

Tony had to have known she was going to say something. He should have addressed this before. “Morgan. You scared Peter. And you’re making stuff up, why would you do that?” 

Morgan walked behind Tony so she could see Peter’s face on Tony’s shoulder then she held the drawing up so he could see again. 

Peter screamed. “It’s scary! No!” 

“Get upstairs right now, Morgan Stark. This behaviour is unacceptable. I will be speaking with you shortly about this.” Pepper gave her a smack on the butt and sent her to her room, crying. 

Of course they had two crying kids on their first night there. 

Tony sat on the couch, attempting to remove Peter so he could see his face but Peter screamed, thinking he was trying to unlatch from him. 

“Peter, just breathe.” He couldn’t talk to him like this. Tony was very upset with Morgan for purposely saying something so traumatizing to Peter. Tony knew she was doing it for attention but she knew better than this. 

He sighed. He felt guilty now, there was a reason why she was doing this for attention. 

Tony just didn’t know how to divide his time up between all his kids. 

After a while, Peter calmed down so Tony was able to cradle him in his arms so Peter could look at him as he sucked steadily on his thumb. 

“Petey, Morgan didn’t mean what she meant.” Tony began. Pepper sat next to Tony, rubbing Peter’s leg in support. “She made that up to scare you. I know it wasn’t nice of her, but she just made it up. Steve… he doesn’t live in the forest. You know that, right?” 

Peter nodded. “He’s away.” He spoke around his thumb. 

“He’s what?” 

“He’s away.” Peter repeated, barely audible. 

“He’s away?” Tony didn’t understand what that meant exactly. They told Peter Steve was dead. They told him he died a few days after getting him back. “Steve died, buddy. Remember we told you?” 

Peter pointed to the windows, offering no other explanation so Pepper encouraged him to talk. “What is it, Peter?” 

“He lives in the forest now.” He knew Steve did. Morgan was right, he couldn’t escape his kidnapper that easily. 

“No, baby. No, he doesn’t. I promise you. If Steve lived in the forest, do you think we would have still brought you here?” Tony hated how Morgan put this idea in Peter’s head. He wasn’t going to drop it now. 

And Karen was too far. 

“He does.” Peter still insisted then sucked harder in his thumb before sitting up. “I want milk.” 

“I’ll get it.” Pepper got up to do that so Peter could stay calm for the rest of their talk. 

While she was getting milk, Peter was completely uninterested in what Tony had to say so Tony didn’t even bother. 

Peter immediately replaced his thumb for the bottle and laid back down in his dad’s arms, shutting his eyes as he drank. While he wasn’t paying attention, Tony shrugged at Pepper. He didn’t know what else to do. 

“Peter, mom and I still want to talk to you and remind you that he isn’t in the forest. You’re safe here. I’ll always protect you.” All Tony could do was keep reminding Peter of that. And he would do anything to protect his son. 

That was apparently enough for Peter to hear for tonight. 

It was inevitable that he would get nightmares because of it though.