I Promise

Tony came over to Peter, who was still standing with Bucky and Steve, with a plate filled to the brim with food. Peter gaped at it while the three older men chuckled at his reaction. “Since you liked the Pancakes I thought you would want to try waffles.” He pointed to the waffle on the plate. “Almost everyone has a preference between the two, so we can find out which you like better.”

Peter snapped out of his shock and looked up at Tony, “Which one is your favourite?” He had gotten better with questions and giving answers, but he was still afraid he would choose the ‘wrong one.’

Tony smirked, “Nice try, I’m not telling you until you pick. I don’t want to accidentally sway you either way.” Peter looked a bit sad at that, so Tony explained his reasoning a bit more, “You’re free Pete, and you can have your own opinion about what makes you happy.” Peter understood, but still felt a bit of pressure to choose ‘the right one,’ he didn’t want to offend anyone or get punished if he chose wrong. He knows logically that Tony would never punish him for that, or maybe at all, but it’s all he has known till now. Speak out of turn, get punished, answer wrong, get punished, make a mistake, get punished, go too slow, get punished, basically do anything you were not explicitly told to do, get punished.

This whole life, new life, is uncharted territory. And now he is surrounded by people he has not met. He doesn’t know if they follow Tony’s rules, Hydra’s, or their own. Since Tony is there and they're all supposed to be his friends, he’ll follow what Tony has told him. He snaps out of his thought to see that all three men in front of him are looking down at him in concern. “You okay bud? If this is too much we can go.” Tony said with soft but worried eyes.

Peter doesn’t know if he wants to stay or go. He is overwhelmed, sure, but not extremely. He has only met one new person so far, Steve, who he already partly trusted because Bucky trusts him. Plus Tony has done so much for him, more things than he can count, and he should not be wriggling out of doing one thing he has asked. Meeting his friends, his team. “No, I’m ok.” Peter said softly so the others in the room would hopefully not catch on to their conversation. He didn’t want them all to look at him with pity.

“Okay, but if that changes, promise you’ll tell me.” Peter nodded instead of saying the words ‘I promise.’ He wasn’t sure if he actually could get the courage to ask Mr. Stark if they could leave if he needed to. And if he can’t he didn’t want to break a verbal promise. Tony looked at him sceptically, as he should, but let it go. “Alright, how about we go sit down and eat breakfast and everyone can come up one by one?”

“Are you and Bucky going to eat too?” Peter asked quietly.

Tony understood the question was not really about breakfast, he looked up at Bucky who nodded and also understood. “Yeah kiddo, we’ll eat breakfast and sit with you the whole time.” He added the last part because he knew that was what Peter was really asking.

Peter took a breath of relief, “Thank you.” was all he said.

Tony smiled softly, “Of course. Hey Buck?” It was still weird being so casual with Bucky, “Can you grab yourself and I a plate of food.”

“Sure, anything in particular?”

“Nah, although some bacon would be nice.” Peter rolled his eyes because Helen did not want Tony to eat bacon. As soon as he did it he got scared he was being disrespectful, but luckily all he saw on Mr. Stark's face was a smirk.

“Got it, be back in a minute.” Bucky said as he turned and went into the kitchen.

Tony put his hand on Peter’s shoulder “Let’s sit down.” Peter nodded and Tony led them both to the dining room table. Natasha, Burce, and Clint were sitting and talking on one end, so Tony and Peter sat on the other away from them. Tony got out his phone and quickly texted the group chat to let the team know to only come up one by one and had it be delivered silently.

Bruce was the first to approach, getting up from his spot at the other end of the table. He walked over slowly and had a gentle smile on his face as he waited for Tony to introduce him. “Peter, this is Bruce Banner.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Peter.” Bruce said as he sat down next to Tony so he wasn’t too close to Peter.

“Hi Mr. Banner.” Peter said shyly.

“You can just call me Bruce.”

“Bruce is a scientist.” Tony stated to help the conversion along. It seemed to work as Peter perked up.

“Really?” Bruce nodded, “What field do you work in?”

“I am a Nuclear Physicist.” Bruce said still with a smile on his face.

“Wow, that's so cool!” Peter said as Bruce’s smile widened. He was happy Peter seemed interested in his work. He doesn’t talk about it much, but he gets frustrated and sad that he is mostly only known for the big guy instead of his academic achievements and the good he tries to do through his work. “Do you believe nuclear power is the best source of energy to fight climate change compared to wind and solar?” Peter asked.

Bruce’s kind expression turned to a surprised one, but still delighted, “Wow,” he said as he thought. Tony just smiled at how smart Peter is as Bruce contemplated. “Well, I mostly work with theories, but since nuclear power is carbon-free or at least very low carbon in some cases, yes I do, especially since it is a lot more affordable than getting energy from wind and solar.” Peter nodded along. “Do you like to study Nuclear Physics?”

“A bit, but my favourite is Chemical engineering.” Peter said with a smile, and not just a polite sime, a joyful smile. He loved talking about science.

“That's a great field! Is that what you want to be when you grow up, a chemical engineer?” Bruce asked surprised and thrilled that Peter loved science.

Peter frowned a little. He had never really thought about what he wanted to be when he grows up. He didn’t have much time to think about it before the orphanage and then Hydra. And of course, at Hydra a future, growing up to be who you wanted, wasn’t an option and didn't seem possible. Does he now have the option to do what he wants or has he missed his opportunity by missing years of school? What does he want to do? He’s not really sure about any of it, he hadn’t thought that far. Tony and Bruce were now looking at him in concern. “I don’t know.” He said in an almost lost tone of voice. Tony squeezed his shoulder in a comforting manner as a way to say, it’s okay we'll figure it out.

Bruce smiled kindly again, “You have time to figure it out.” Peter nodded but still looked unsure. “Whatever you decide to do you’ll be great at it. I can already see you’re beyond smart.” Peter's smile turned genuine at his words. Bruce didn’t want to take up too much time as Peter still had to meet everyone else, “It was an absolute pleasure meeting you Peter, I would love to talk science with you again.”

“Definitely!” Peter said, perking up, “It was nice to meet you Mr. Bann- I mean Bruce.” Bruce smiled at him and got up to sit back down at the other side of the table.

Just then Bucky came over with two plates and handed one to Tony. “Thanks,” Tony said, taking the plate, which to his delight had a good amount of bacon on it. Then he realized Peter had not eaten anything yet. “You should start eating before your food gets cold.”

Peter had almost forgotten about his food while talking with Bruce. “Oh, right.” He said picking up his fork and knife and cutting a piece of sausage. Next to approach was Natasha, she was so quiet that the three didn’t even notice her until she was standing next to Bucky.

Once Tony noticed her he introduced her, “Peter this is Natasha Romanoff.”

Before Peter could say anything Natasha spoke, “You can call me Nat.”

Peter had learned a bit about the Black Widow only because he knew about the Red Room. Hydra got the Chair’s technology from the Red Room. He felt bad that she also had to go through that, or at least something like it. “Hi Nat” Peter finally said. Nat smiled at him, but also looked like she was studying him.

“Nat here is a trained spy,” Tony said.

Well that explains her studying him, all he could say was, “Black Widow.”

“That’s right,” Nat replied, “it’s nice to have another spider in the tower.” Her smile was more kind this time as she saw no threat from him. Peter smiled back thinking that they did have at least one thing in common. Although she had no Spider DNA she did have the name of a spider. And both were given by organizations that kept them captive.

Just then Clint came up behind Nat. Although Tony said one by one Clint was never too patient outside of spying and missions, “Quit hogging the kid.”

Nat rolled her eyes, but still said, “It was nice meeting you Peter.” nonetheless. Peter waved as she turned and went back to her seat.

“This impatient person is Clint Barton.” Tony explained.

“Hi Mr. Barton.” Peter said with a polite smile.

“Call me Clint, Mr. Barton makes me feel so old.” He said with a smile. Peter nodded shyly.

“Clint is another spy as well as an archer.” Tony informed Peter.

“I think you mean the best archer in the world.” Clint corrected.

“Oh, of course, my apologies.” Tony said sarcastically with an eye roll, “When he is not spying or shooting arrows he is terrorizing the tower with pranks.”

“What can I say, it’s my other specialty. I can teach you how to prank Tony if you want to.” Peter giggled.

“Now you're trying to turn the kid against me?” Tony said in fake hurt.

“Just thought he should have some fun after being stuck around you for days on end.” Clint said with a smirk.

“Hey, I’m fun!” Tony said in defense.

“Sure you are.” Clint said as he now rolled his eyes. “It was nice to meet you kid, come to me if you want to have fun and if you get sick of him.” He said with a wink.

After he left Peter turned to Tony, “I think you're fun.” he said with a smile.

Tony smiled back, “Thanks, kid.” They go back to eating while they wait for the next team member to come up.

The next to approach was Sam, "This is Sam Wilson." Tony introduces

"Hey Squirt" Sam smiled down at Peter.

"Hi Mr. Wilson," Peter says in a small voice.

Sam shakes his head in an amused manner, "Wow you're formal." he laughs. Peter blushes and smiles shyly. Sam can tell, from his social work training that Peter is a bit overwhelmed by all the new people so he decides to cut his introduction a bit short to hopefully make him a little more comfortable. "I look forward to seeing you around the tower and getting to get to know you, Peter." The boy nodded as Sam gave him one last smile before tubing around to go back to his place at the table.

Peter then went back to eating his breakfast. He had already eaten the sausage, potatoes, and eggs, now he was trying the waffle.

Rhodney came up after a minute. Tony smiled brightly, “This is Colonel James Rhodes, my best friend.”

Peter swallowed his bite of waffle, which he loved especially after he tried it with syrup, “Hi Mr. Rhodes.” He could tell by Tony’s expression and the way he introduced him that Mr. Rhodes is very important to him.

“Call me Rhodey, everyone here does.”

“Well actually I have quite a few names for him, like Honey Bear, isn't that right Platypus.” Tony said with a smirk.

Rhodey just shook his head, “See what I have to put up with? How have you survived with him this long?” Peter smiled, but didn’t know how to answer that. Mr. Stark hasn’t been anything but nice to him.

“I resent that, I am a pleasure to be around.” Tony stated.

“Sure,” Rhodey said with a smirk. “Whatever you say. Kid if he’s holding you hostage blink twice.” Peter was confused, but by Tony, Rhodey, and Bucky’s smile he understood it was a joke.

“He’s fine, stop scaring him.” Tony said, but there was no bite to his words.

Although he had not talked a lot, Peter was happy just listening to the conversations of Tony’s friends/team. He was actually glad he was not being pressured to talk much, he wouldn't know what to say. The only person he had had a full conversation with so far was Burce. He loved talking to him, he was always up for talking about science. Other than Tony and Bucky, and maybe Steve because of Bucky's relationship with him, Bruce was probably his favourite

Bucky had not said a word, but he also seemed content to just listen. He was glad Bucky was there even if he wasn’t engaging in the conversation. Sitting between Tony and Bucky felt safe.

“It was nice to meet you Peter and good seeing you Tones.” Phodey said with a smile before stepping away. Peter had just finished his breakfast as Rhodney left.

“How was your food kiddo?” Tony said with a smile.

“It was good.”

“So? What’s the verdict, pancakes or waffles?”

“Waffles?” Peter asked as a question.

Tony had a feeling he would do that, “So waffles are your favourite?” He wanted Peter to answer truthfully and not just the way he thought he was supposed to.Peter hesitantly nodded. “Mine too.” Tony said as Peter let out a relieved breath. “But Peter, even if you said Pancakes, that would have been a fine answer. There was no right answer to tell me except for the one that makes you most happy. Opinions are your choice, no one else's.”

“Okay,” Peter said in a small voice, but then turned to Bucky. “Which do you like most?”

“I like them both, but I am more of a toast person.” Bucky replied.

Peter nodded, but he didn’t know what else to say and his eyes were starting to droop, he didn;t know why though.Tony could tell Peter was a bit overwhelmed and tired, he did just meet five new people and eat new food, he can’t blame him. “You want to head back up bud?” Peter nodded. “Alright, let go.”

All three got up and headed towards the elevator. Steve was standing near the hallway leading to it. Bucky stopped and stood next to him. “It was really nice meeting you Peter,” Steve said with a kind genuine smile, “once you’re healed a bit more and if you ever feel up to it, we all would love for you to come train with us.”

Peter was tired, but learning and training with real heroes sounded amazing, “Sure, thanks.”

“It was good seeing you again Peter.” Bucky said, also with a smile on his face.

Peter doesn’t know what possessed him, but he stepped forward and hugged Bucky. Bucky froze for a split second, but then wrapped both his real and metal arm around Peter. “Thanks for being here.” Peter whispered.

Although he didn't think he did much, since he barely talked, it made him feel warmth in his chest that just his presence made Peter feel safe. “Anytime kid.” After a moment they broke their hug and Peter stepped back next to Tony.

Tony had a soft smile on his face, “Ready to go?”

“Yeah.” Peter replied.

The two walked into the elevator and took it up to the penthouse. Once the elevator doors opened they walked down the hallways. Tony stopped at the door that was now Peter’s room. “Do you want to take a nap?” Peter was really tired, he didn't quite understand why though. Yes he was still getting used to walking, but he didn't walk too much today. Tony saw the conflict in his face, “You met a lot of new people today, it’s okay to be emotionally exhausted. You're not used to that much socialising, it’s normal. The more you interact the easier it will get.” Peter nodded even though it still confused him a bit. Tony just put a hand on his shoulder and guided him into the room. Once in the room Tony let go and went to grab a pair of sweatpants from the chest of drawers. “Why don’t you change into these? Sleeping in your jeans won’t be as comfortable.” Peter just nodded tiredly, taking the pair of pants and going into his bathroom. He shut the door and quickly changed out of his jeans and into his sweatpants.

Thinking about everything as His was still a bit weird for him, but he was too tired to care at the moment. He came back out and laid the jeans on the back of his desk chair. Tony had folded back the Star Wars comforter so he could get under the covers easier. Once he laid down Tony covered him with the blanket. His eyes were closing, but he didn’t want to be left alone still, “Stay?”

Tony wants him to get used to his new room and eventually sleep alone, but one thing at a time. Sleeping in his own room, in his own bed, was a big step, they could work on the sleeping alone part later. “Sure bud.” he said as he too got on the bed and under the covers, although he did not bother to change out of his jeans. Peter curled up next to him and put his head on Tony’s chest like usual. Peter was almost asleep when he heard Tony speak. “I’m really happy you met everyone today,” except Thor, but since he is super loud and doesn't understand social cues all the time he thought it might have been for the best. Peter can meet him another time, “you did really great today kiddo. I’m so proud of you.”

And that's how Peter drifted off. A hand brushing through his curls and Tony’s voice praising him. He fell into a peaceful sleep with a soft smile on his face.