Chapter 16
Peter smiled as he slid under the covers of his bed.
While he couldn't deny Venom scared him, he finally had someone who needed him and wouldn't leave him. Someone who could only get hurt if he got hurt.
Someone he didn't have to worry about.
Sleep. The sun will be up soon. You need rest.
"You know, if you hadn't taken a joy ride, it wouldn't be an issue." Peter mumbled, closing his eyes.
Shut up.
Peter chuckled before sleep took him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Peter has returned. Sensors detect him in his room."
Pepper and Tony jumped as FRIDAY's message rang out.
"Jesus." Tony mumbled, looking over at his clock. "It's 5 o'clock. Where could he possibly have gone?"
"I don't know." Pepper frowned. "I don't know, and I don't know how to address it. Peter's adoption hasn't gone through yet, I don't technically have any rights over him."
"Like hell." Tony huffed. "He's in our custody. We're responsible for him as far as the state's concerned. We're going to address it."
"We need to be careful about it. We can't just ambush him." Pepper sighed, fully aware of Tony's lack of tact at times.
"Look, Pep, I don't like the kid being out without us knowing anymore than you do. It was different when I thought he was a well cared for young adult, but now we know he's not."
Tony pinched the bridge of his nose before letting out a breath.
"I can't believe I'm about to say this, but we need to set some ground rules."
Pepper snorted.
"You're right, I can't believe you of all people said that, but yes, we do. Now, I'm gonna say something I can't believe I'm saying,"
"Oh, this should be good." Tony grinned.
"Shut up." Pepper laughed, swatting his arm. "I think.....I think we should update FRIDAY in his room."
"Is Pepper Potts suggesting invading someone's privacy?"
"I know, I know." Pepper sighed. "That's more your territory than mine."
"Blasphemy."
"Regardless, if Peter won't talk, we don't have many other options."
The two were quiet as they got lost in their own thoughts.
Pepper worried about damaging her fragile relationship with Peter while Tony meticulously went over how he would update FRIDAY's code for Peter.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Peter groaned as he was no longer able to ignore the bright light streaming in through his window.
He hadn't gotten near enough sleep.
Venom, the guilty asshole, was silent, enjoying his sleep.
"Jerk." Peter grumbled, throwing the pillow over his head.
Peter wasn't sure exactly what happened that was causing his negative feelings towards Venom to waiver. The creature was a violent murderer, regardless of the fact it was criminals he was killing.
It wasn't how Spider-Man would have handled things.
Then again, Spider-Man was gone.
Spider-Man didn't have any plans to return.
Maybe he should let Venom continue his work.
It wasn't like Peter had any real control over him. And Venom was right about one thing, his criminals never made it back out on the streets. Maybe he could just be more specific about who Venom went after?
That Deadpool guy would love it he was sure.
Hell, the guy was probably already a fan.
Yeah, Venom would do more good for the city than Spider-Man did. After all, Spider-Man was just Peter Parker in disguise.
Traveling through foster homes, he had been able to keep himself and Spider-Man as two separate lives but now, here with the Avengers and his soulmates, there was no way to do that anymore.
Every time he looked around him he was reminded that they knew. They knew who was under the mask. They knew unlucky, worthless Peter Parker was all that was left when the suit came off.
There was no more hiding. No more pretending.
“Peter.”
Peter jumped as the unexpected voice of FRIDAY rang through his room.
She had never contacted him in here before, so why did she now?
A sinking feeling entered Peter’s stomach, his anxiety causes Venom to stir.
“I have notified Boss and Ms. Boss you are awake and they are awaiting you in the kitchen for a late breakfast.”
The sinking feeling grew worse at they news.
This was it.
This was where they told him it was over.
He’d be let go.
Peter threw back the covers, trying to ignore his thoughts.
This was what he wanted.
He wanted to leave and yet, why did it feel so wrong?
“Stop it.” Peter grumbled. “I know that’s just you.”
You are in denial.
Venom growled.
You are blaming me for your own thoughts.
“This is what I want! I want to leave!”
Peter could sense Venom turn from him, and promptly ignoring his outburst.
Fine, Peter could ignore him too.
It didn’t matter what Venom thought, it would soon be just the two of them and the symbiote needed to get used to it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Peter is moving to make his way here. His vitals would suggest he is in mild distress.”
“Well,” Tony said, clapping his hands together. “This makes for a perfect start.”
Pepper glared at him as she sat Peter’s plate down on the table along with hers and Tony’s.
She hoped Peter would ignore the difference in proportion sizes.
It wasn’t long before the disheveled teen appeared before them.
“Good morning Peter.” Pepper smiled. “Come join us.”
Peter hesitated a moment before sitting down.
It was strange to be seated, having breakfast with them. It was almost like……they were a family.
Peter mentally slapped himself.
This wasn’t his family, and never would be.
He couldn’t afford for them to be.
The world needed Pepper Potts and Tony Stark, and Peter couldn’t take them away.
And they would go away if he stayed.
Eventually everyone did.
"Sleep well kid?" Tony asked, ignoring the pointed look Pepper shot him.
"Uh, yeah. I slept good."
"You still look tired, maybe we should look into a new mattress for you."
Peter internally frowned as Tony continued.
Why was he asking about his sleep so- oh no.
"Peter," Pepper started slowly.
No.
"We'd like to talk to you about something."
No no no.
"How are you getting past FRIDAY?" Tony shouted, throwing his hands up.
"I can't figure it out! It's driving me crazy! I knew you were a genius kid but damn. I had no idea you were this smart!"
Peter stared wide eyed as Tony continued praising his intelligence in between his complaints.
If only he knew the truth behind Peter's escape.
"Tony!" Pepper shouted, glaring at him.
"What? FRIDAY has never failed, how can I not want to know? This kid needs to be helping me updating her obviously!"
Pepper dropped her face in her hand as Tony turned to Peter.
"Today, kid. You're coming with me to the lab and we're gonna go over FRIDAY's code together. Give me your secrets to escape."
Venom stirred as Tony excitedly continued rambling about working with Peter on FRIDAY.
Hmmm. How do you plan to explain your escape?
Me? This is all your fault!
"TONY!"
Tony stopped mid sentence before smiling sheepishly.
"Sorry, honey."
Pepper sighed heavily before softening her features to look at Peter.
"You're not in trouble, Peter. We just worry about you leaving the compound without any of us knowing. It's dangerous out there right now. I know you're enhanced, but things are kind of crazy right now...." she trailed off.
Peter felt the familiar feeling of guilt seeping in.
He never meant to cause Pepper any trouble.
He never meant to cause anyone trouble, and yet, here he was, causing trouble.
Typical Peter Parker.
"We just want you safe, sweetheart."
Peter felt even worse as Pepper looked at him with a warm expression.
He didn't deserve her kindness.
"I'm jealous." Tony pouted. "I could never get out of here without all of you knowing. You're my hero kid."
"Tony, please!"
Tony grumbled, shoving a fork full of eggs into his mouth.
Past Peter's feelings of guilt and trouble, he shockingly realized that Tony Stark could be a literal man child.
For some reason, Peter felt happy about the discovery.
"Peter," Pepper started softly. "I don't know why you feel the need to sneak out, but please stay inside a little longer. I promise Spider-Man can return to the streets again, but I need to know you're taken care of until some loose ends are tied up."
It had been universally decided amongst everyone to temporarily avoid using the word adoption around Peter. It was obvious that it made him nervous and uncomfortable.
Pepper's words drew him out of the momentary joy of his discovery.
Spider-Man, return?
No. It was to late for that now. Spider-Man was done.
Loose ends?
What did that mean?
The most concerning though, was the reminder they knew he was sneaking out.
Surely there would be consequences.
"Now, let's finish breakfast and-"
"Tha lab!" Tony grinned, slapping his hand down on the table.
"I'm calling dibs on the kid today. He's mine."
"I think other people live here Tony." Pepper said flatly. "You can't hog him."
"Why not?" Tony scoffed, catching himself before exclaiming how Peter was going to be his son soon anyway.
Pepper looked at him with an unamused expression.
Along with avoiding the talk of adoption, the talk of soulmates was also discouraged. Everyone was on board to help encourage Peter to connect more with Wanda and Pietro, but referring to them specifically as soulmates was off limits.
While that had saddened the twins, they had agreed in hopes it would ease Peter's anxiety.
"Because maybe Peter would enjoy doing something that wasn't being locked up in a lab all day."
Peter bit the inside of his cheek.
The thought of getting to walk around Tony Stark's lab was a far to appealing offer, but Tony Stark was someone to be weary of. Unlike everyone else, Tony was to quick to ask questions and push for answers that Peter didn't want to give.
Tony would figure out just how far Peter's flaws went.
Tony would figure it out faster than anyone else.
Tony would tell everyone and then he would be ki-why did he care?
Peter's stomach knotted.
Leaving.
Leaving was the ultimate goal.
Leave and protect the Avengers and.....his soulmates.
"Peter?"
Peter jumped, and looked up to Pepper's concerned face.
"Are you ok?"
"Y-yeah, I'm ok."
"Tell you what, Pete," Tony smiled. "How about you go exploring the compound and whatever else it is spider babies do, then you can come join me for some mentor/mentee bonding time."
Agree.
No! He'll get to close!
AGREE!
"O-ok." Peter replied before he could stop himself
"Great!" Tony said, shooting Pepper a triumphant look.
Pepper just rolled her eyes.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Peter stared into the closet full of clothes.
He wasn't sure how they knew what size he needed, but they were all his.
After breakfast, Pepper had shooed him off to his room to change.
I like her.
"If you really like her, you'll stop trying to keep me here. You know what will happen."
Peter said, pulling out a shirt and pair of pants.
God, the amount of money they must have spent to stock this closet.
They like you.
"And how would you know?"
I happen to be an excellent judge of character. I chose you after all.
"You killed your other hosts just by being with them." Peter deadpanned, unimpressed with Venom's reasoning.
All the more reason to feel proud of yourself. Not everyone can host one of my kind.
"Wait, what? What do you mean 'one of your kind'? There are more of you?"
We have our own planet. Occasionally we will scout out others.
"Like, like an alien invasion? Should I be concerned about more of you?"
Unlikely. I am all the remains of the original group that came here. We do not go on rescue missions. No one is coming for me.
Peter frowned at Venom's words. The way he said them was so definite, like there was no room for doubt.
The truth was, Venom was just as alone as he was.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"New day, new chance." Pietro smiled, bouncing into the common area.
Wanda trailed behind him, smiling at his optimism, despite her own worries.
She looked around, narrowing her eyes as Natasha and Steve quickly averted their eyes and went back to whispering between them.
"Hey wonder twins." Clint grinned. "Care to join me for a little gym time?"
Before they could answer, the sound of voices drifted in from the hall and Pepper, Tony and Peter entered the room.
"Alright kid, just let FRIDAY know when you're ready to have some real fun and she'll guide you to the lab." Tony smiled, giving Peter's shoulder a squeeze.
Peter nodded, unable to speak as the squeeze turned to a pat and Tony walked away, a strange, almost bounce in his step.
Everyone tried to pointedly ignore the exchange between the two, unaware of when the change in dynamic occurred, and oblivious to Peter's internal panicking.
"Morning Pepper, Pete." Steve smiled as he looked up.
"Good morning." Pepper smiled back, studying Natasha and Steve's position on the couch.
"Morning." Peter replied softly.
"Hey, kid." Clint grinned. "Care to join me for a little fun in the gym?"
Peter hesitated. He didn't have his web shooters, and had no reason to train anyway.
Agree. You need to stay in shape. Keep your reflexes sharp.
I don't want to. I have no plans of returning to Spider-Man.
This is for you.
Peter bit his lip, mulling over Venom's words, before finally agreeing.
"O-ok. I don't have my web shooters though."
"That's ok. We can work on other things."
"Mind if we join?" Pietro asked excitedly, pulling Wanda in.
"Maybe we should all go." Sam said, walking into the room and shooting a quick glance around.
"Sounds good to me." Steve nodded, standing up.
"I'm game." Natasha agreed.
Pepper looked at the others with uncertainty. While she knew what Sam was thinking, she didn't quite know if Peter was fully ready to interact with the whole team again.
Despite her words about allowing Peter to return to being Spider-Man after the adoption and court case, she hadn't forgotten Tony telling her about Peter's abandoned suits.
Maybe Peter didn't want to be Spider-Man anymore.
Still, Sam was planning to use this as a bonding moment, and she was going to trust him.
"I think I'll come watch." Pepper smiled, placing her hand on Peter's shoulder. "I've got some free time."
Peter looked up at her, worry clear on his face.
She smiled encouragingly at him, hoping to push him a little, but not to much.
Turning back to the team, Peter gave a slight nod and everyone began to file out.
Wanda and Pietro subtly moved to flank Peter on each side as Pepper followed behind.
It wasn't long before Natasha fell back to walk with her. She gave Pepper a look, not wanting to ask anything out loud, conscious of Peter's sensitive hearing.
Pepper gave a nod, following along with the silent communication.
Natasha frowned, turning her eyes to Peter, Wanda and Pietro. She hated the thoughts that briefly flashed through her mind. She knew Peter had had a rough few years, and she felt guilty wishing he would just acknowledge the bond between him and the twins instead of trying to run from it.
She looked over as Pepper laid a hand on her arm, her face mirroring Natasha own thoughts and guilt.
They just wanted Peter to heal, and there was no denying the soul bond could be a major contributing factor. Still, pushing him to fast could make things worse.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If Wanda and Pietro thought they were being casual, they were far from it.
Peter could sense their tension as they made their way down the hall. He could hear the flutters in their heartbeats to match the twitching in their hands and arms as they fought not reaching out to touch him.
It took all he had not to cry.
The longer he spent at the compound around them, the more he wanted to stay and be with them.
It wasn't fair to them that he was fighting such selfish thoughts.
It is not selfish to want to be with those you are connected to. Despite my short time on this planet, I have learned much about this soulmate bond, and I would have cause for concern about you if you did not acknowledge it at all.
I don't know how many more times I have to tell you-
I am done listening to your excuses! They are good for you, and the longer I am with you, the more I connect with them as well. I protect you, you are being unreasonable.
Peter didn't know how to reply. Was he really being unreasonable?
No. No. He was doing the right thing by keeping them at a distance.
They are like you. To imply they can not protect themselves implies you are weak and unable to defend your own self.
Peter's brain stumbled.
What argument could he make with that? He didn't think Wanda or Pietro were weak at all! He admired them and their strength!
Peter's stomach churned and he felt his breath hitch.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Wanda shared a side eye with Pietro as Peter’s tension flowed through the bond. They had been getting random spikes all morning, both wondering what was happening with him.
Peter was such a mystery to them. He was timid and fearful, but also sullen and resigned to whatever fate he would be given.
And all his assumed fates seemed to be negative.
But there was also something else there. A void that would appear and disappear. A silence in Peter that couldn’t be explained.
They had never heard anyone speak of something like this in their soulmates, but then again, no one had ever been able to experience physical signs of injuries to their mate(s).
No, that was just another way their link to Peter was unique.
And odd considering Peter didn't share that same trait. So maybe an ability to turn off everything was something only Peter had.
They startled as that strange nothingness entered the bond again. It didn't last long, it was rare when it did, at least it was during the day.
They had both woken up during the night and found marks on their skin, but no connection to Peter and his feelings. By morning though, he was always right back with them.
"Did you sleep well last night?" Wanda asked, causing Peter to jump slightly and look at her.
"Uh, yeah. I slept ok."
She smiled widely at him. It was his first real conversation with her that didn't involve a nervous stutter.
"You'll need it for the gym if you're gonna be with these guys." Pietro whispered conspiratorially, motioning towards the three men at the front.
Peter looked at the backs of Steve, Clint and Sam. He knew all about their fighting styles, having been in the field with them.
How hard could it be fighting them in a gym? They couldn't do near the damage in there as out in the open.
"Don't let him scare you," Wanda said, unconsciously hooking her arm around Peter and pulling him close as she glared at her brother. "They just make it a point to go hard on him because he's annoying."
Peter felt warm and content as Wanda continued to hold him and bicker with Pietro about training in the gym.
His eyes suddenly felt heavy and he leaned into her as they continued down the hall. She was soft and welcoming, and.....she felt like home.
Unable to stop himself, not that he even fully registered his movements, Peter stopped and turned to her, wrapping his arms around her waist, burying his face into her neck and taking a deep breath.
Wanda froze as Peter nuzzled her with a content sigh.
Recovering quickly and not wanting to miss the chance, Wanda wrapped her arms around his thin waist and pulled him in closer.
Pietro stood to the side anxiously. He wasn't sure what to do with himself. He wanted to join in the hug, but also didn't want to scare Peter off by moving to quickly. Wanda looked at him, not sure what to tell him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Pepper and Natasha froze as Peter buried himself into Wanda, the change seeming to come out of nowhere.
It pained them to see the uncertainty between her and Pietro as to how to continue.
Peter was so skittish, yet he would have these moments where he just turned himself over to instinct. There was never any indication it was going to happen, it just did. It wasn't something they could prepare for.
It was distressing for everyone.
Peter's whiplash emotions took a toll on his soulmates as they struggled to keep up with him without going to far.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Peter hummed quietly as nothing but warmth surrounded him. The last time he had felt this way he was with Ben and May.
Ben and May.
Two people
Two senses of warmth.
Where was his other warmth?
The feeling around him now was only the feeling of one, and he knew deep down there was supposed to be another.
He let out a small distressed whimper before he felt his other warmth slowly encase him.
His content humming returned as he snuggled further into this warmth of.....love.
Love.
It was the best word to describe what it was.
The world, his fears, his anxiety, his inadequacies all melted away. Nothing could get him here in his little cocoon.
Not even Venom.
Leaving wasn't an option anymore.
He needed this feeling. It was so nice, and he was going to be selfish with it.
And for once, he didn't feel guilty about it. Almost as though it would be wrong not to keep it. Like the guilt should come from letting it go.
What an odd thought.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Wanda and Pietro shared a look as Peter's quiet humming picked back up once he had wrapped his arms around them.
He laid he head on the top of Peter's causing the smaller boy to let out a little puff of air and nuzzle Wanda more.
Pietro chuckled at Peter's little movements.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Pepper and Natasha hesitated, unsure of whether or not they should leave the three since they didn't know how Peter might react once he came out of his current headspace.
Looking at each other, they decided to move further up the hall and around a corner, giving them privacy, but being close enough if something happened.
Moving slowly, they made it around the corner only to jump at the three other Avengers crowed them.
"What's happening?" Steve asked, his face lit with excited expectation.
"We're not sure." Pepper replied, peaking back around the corner.
"Kid just latched himself on to Wanda and now the three are wrapped up in each other." Natasha said, peering around Pepper.
"That's a good sign." Sam smiled. "I've seen the soul bond preform wonders on people. This is really good for Peter."
"Are you sure we should be sticking around then?" Clint asked. "Shouldn't we give them privacy?"
"We're giving them enough." Sam replied. "Peter's still in a fragile mindset. He may need more grounding relationships after this."
"Grounding relationships?"
"One's with less complications." Natasha answered. "Clint, you're on duty."
"Why me?"
"Because, you're the least imposing."
"Me? How do you figure that?"
"Because," Sam sighed. "Pepper is going to adopt him, that a big deal considering his situation. Steve is Captain America. I think that speaks for itself. Natasha is Black Widow, and has been close with Pepper and Steve. I'm a known therapist on the team. You're just you."
"Hey!" Clint gasped. "I'm Hawkeye! I'm an Avenger!"
"You're also a dad and good with kids. You're on Peter duty right now." Sam said, clapping Clint on the shoulder before walking away.
"Just do whatever you think is best if he comes to you." Steve smiled, following after Sam.
"Take good care of my kid." Pepper said, an expression on her face that implied bad things if he screwed up.
"That's our little spider, keep with the dad vibes and keep him as comfortable as you can." Natasha smirked, following the others and leaving Clint standing alone in a hallway, waiting to see what happened next.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Time seemed to slow for the twins as Peter continued to hold on to Wanda and allow Pietro to hold him from behind.
It was nice to be so close together, and their hearts filled with hope that their little mate might finally be accepting them like they did him.
They stood there a little bit longer before Peter began to stir and pull back.
Pietro loosened his hold and took one step back as Peter opened his eyes and lifted his head to look straight into Wanda's eyes.
His body tensed as he slowly looked over his shoulder to where Pietro smiled at him.
He felt his face heat up as he unwound his arms from Wanda's waist, then slowly backed away from the two, seeming almost confused as to how he had ended up in that position.
His body was rigid as he looked at them with wide, nervous eyes.
"I...um...I didn't...I don't-" Peter stumbled, holding hands up.
"It's ok, Pete." Pietro smiled. "We're here for you."
"But I..I ca-I" Peter's stress level seemed to rise as he slowly backed away.
It wasn't lost on the twins that, while they hated to see him back away, he was only backing away. He wasn't turning and running like he had been, and he looked torn between continuing and staying.
Sharing a quick glance with each other, Wanda and Pietro moved forward with intent, coming up to Peter's sides. They each placed a hand on his shoulders, turned him around, then grabbed each hand before leading him forward.
"We better move quick to catch up with the others." Wanda said cheerfully. "We can't miss Pietro getting his ass handed to him."
"Hey! I do just fine on my own!"
"No you do not. If he can't use his speed, Steve takes him down every time." Wanda smirked at Peter.
"Whatever." Pietro pouted.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Clint made a dash down the hall and towards the gym, not wanting to be caught by the approaching three.
He burst through the gym doors, startling everyone at his quick, and single entry.
"Where's Peter?" Pepper asked with raised eyebrows.
"Coming with his soulmates." Clint grinned. "Kid didn't need me."
Everyone smiled at each other before going back to what they were doing as the gym doors rattled before opening.
The group continued what they had been doing, pretending not to pay any attention to the new arrivals.
"Alright kid," Tony smiled, entering into the gym. "I heard everyone had come here to train. Couldn't let you join in the fun without these."
Peter stared as Tony held out a pair of brand new web shooters.
"Upgraded hardware Spider-Man."
Peter swallowed hard as he reached out, running his fingers over the familiar equipment.
"You don't have to join in right away, Pete." Tony spoke lowly. "It's your first time here with everyone. Maybe take some time to see how things work."
Peter looked up at the inventor's face.
For every mistake the man made, he always tried to come back with something to make up for it. An apology in the best way he knew how to give one.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tony kept his facial expressions loose as he took in the slight fear and apprehension in Peter's.
The kid hadn't abandoned his suit for no reason.
He really hadn't planned on returning as Spider-Man.
HIs heart skipped a beat at the realization that his fears that both New York and the team may possibly be about to lose one of it's greatest protectors, and that Peter was even more affected by his time in foster care than they had originally thought.
What was going through his kid's head?
Surely he didn't really want to ditch his alter ego. The Spider-Man he knew was to dedicated to his cause.
Then again, at the time Peter Parker had been a hidden secret, and it was obvious Peter viewed the civilian and the hero very differently.
At least, he had.
Tony grit his teeth as he made a silent vow to go after each and every person that had hurt his favorite young adult.
"You know kid," Tony said, inching Peter off to the side, away from the others. "My lab invitation still stands if you're not ready for this. I know Spider-Man hasn't been out since you got here, and a lot has been going on. If you wanna skip this, you can come with me."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Peter looked up, eyes scanning Tony's face.
"No heart to hearts, Pete. Just two science nerds building shit Pepper will get mad at us for." Tony grinned with a wink.
Peter glanced over his shoulder to see everyone gearing up for training, including Wanda and Pietro.
After what had happened in the hall, he felt weird about abandoning them, something which bothered him in more ways than one.
Taking a moment, Peter turned back to Tony.
"I..I think I'd like to see your lab."
Tony's smiled brightened as he clapped his hands together.
"Great. Let me go inform my lovely fiancé and we'll be on our way."
Peter watched as Tony made his way of to Pepper, muttering something about "Potts my ass'.
While Tony talked with Pepper and Natasha, Peter watched everyone talking and laughing.
You need to train with them.
No. I'm not Spider-Man anymore. I don't need to train.
You are being a loser.
Peter blinked in surprise at the juvenile comment.
Did Venom just call him a loser?
I'm not a loser! I'm just not an Avenger! I'm not a hero! Spider-Man is gone because they now know it's Peter Parker under the mask! Spider-Man is gone because now they want something to do with Peter and that can't happen!
It is already happened!
Venom shouted angrily, nearly causing Peter to stumble from the surprising force.
It has happened and you are the only one with a problem! I have complete access to every corner of your mind. No one knows you better than I do. There is no secret you have from me.
Peter felt a panic rise in him as Venom continued.
I know every fear your mind concocts. I know every place you've been, who you've met, the conversations you've had. I know it all.
The you know why-
There is no why! There is just you! There is you, and your fear!
Venom's voice continued to grow harsher as he chastised Peter, leaving him to stunned to respond. He wanted to shout back, run, anything to get away from the voice in his head.
There is no where to run that I can not go with you. I never leave you.
Peter felt tears prick his eyes as he was once again reminded just much Venom held over him.
There no escape. No way out from Venom's hold.
"Pete?"
Peter jumped as Tony laid a hand on his shoulder, a concerned look on his face.
"You with me kid? I called you a few times."
"I-I'm ok." he nodded.
Tony studied him a moment before nodding and steering him back towards the door.
"Pep put a time limit on us. I love her but she doesn't understand the creative process. You can't put a time limit on greatness you know?"
Peter devoted himself to listening to Tony speak, using it a distraction to his whirling thoughts.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Everyone stopped as the doors shut behind Tony and Peter, then looked over at Pepper.
"He's not ready for this." Pepper said, motioning around the gym. "Tony's worried about how long that feeling might last. Peter abandoned his suits the first time we brought him here."
"Tong doesn't think he's hanging up Spider-Man, does he?" Clint frowned. "I like working with him in the field."
"He doesn't know." Pepper sighed. "The web shooters were another test. Peter didn't want to take them."
"You two ok?" Natasha asked, looking over at the crestfallen twins.
"We will be." Wanda said with a slight smile.
"I mean, that was really something earlier." Pietro smiled.
"He's gonna get through this." Pepper returned his smile. "We're gonna make sure of it."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Welcome to wonderland, kid." Tony said, making a show of sweeping his arm out to invite Peter inside.
Peter's eyes widened as he took the room in. He had never seen to much equipment. Not even the science labs he had been in when he went to Midtown had been this nice, and the school he had recently attended was to caught up in football to care about outfitting a science lab with anything decent.
"So, what would you like to do?"
Peter looked over at him, no idea of how to answer.
"How about this," Tony grinned, leading Peter over to a holo table with schematics on display.
"This is an upgrade I'm planning for a new suit, how about you give me a hand?"
"I-I can't work on an Iron Man suit!" Peter shouted. "I might mess it up! You're suit has to be perfect!"
"Pete, I've never had a 'perfect' suit. Why do you think I keep upgrading? Every time I do it's to correct something that was wrong and add something better. It's the same I've done with your suits. I keep an eye on you and FRIDAY makes notes of where they could be improved."
Peter looked between Tony and the suit ideas. He had never considered that Tony might have been paying such close attention to him all this time.
He cares.
Peter didn't reply, afraid of what he was hearing meant.
You have been making assumptions as to how people may feel. He was do this to protect you. He plans to continue.
Peter looked back down at the table as a Spider-Man suit came up.
"See, here's you last suit, and the new one I made you. Always upgrading Pete, that's the secret."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Somehow, Peter lost himself in his time with Tony. The two worked seamlessly together, Tony always listening to his ideas and looking into if they could or could not be implemented.
He never put Peter down, always praising his thought process.
It was something Peter had heard in a long time.
"Alright boys, times up."
The two looked up as Pepper entered the lab and paused.
It stunned her for a moment just how alike the two were.
She wasn't about to give up Peter being a Potts until she and Tony got married, but she couldn't deny that Peter would make a perfect mini Stark.
"You two have been in here all day. You missed lunch, but I refuse to let you miss supper."
"Sorry kid." Tony frowned. "With that metabolism, you must be starving."
As though it had been waiting for acknowledgment, Peter stomach growled loudly.
Pepper chuckled as she walked over, placing her hands on Peter's shoulders and leading him towards the door.
"I'm sure you two will be fine taking a break."
"Yeah, I guess." Tony grinned, following behind them.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The first thing Peter noticed upon entering the kitchen was Pietro holding an ice pack up to his eye.
"Your form was awful." Steve sighed, pulling down the ice pack before pushing it back up.
"You could have taken it easy on me today you know."
"There is no such thing as easy in a fight." Natasha said, crossing her arms.
"Yeah, yeah." Pietro huffed.
Looking at Pietro's eye, Peter lifted a hand to his own. Tony hadn't said anything, and yet if something happened to him, he and Wanda showed the evidence of it on their own skin.
How was it that he didn't share that same ability with them?
"I told you they go harder on him because he's annoying." Wanda said, coming up beside Peter.
"He'll be fine though. He always is."
Despite the assurance, worry settled deep in Peter's chest as he looked at his injured soulmate.
Unable to stop himself, Peter moved across the kitchen, placing his hand on Pietro's and lowering the ice pack to look at his swollen eye.
Frowning, he gently ran his fingers over the area with a frown.
"Are you ok?" he asks softly.
"Yeah, I'm fine." Pietro smiled. "I've had worse than this."
Drawing back his hand, Peter stepped back and fidgeted a bit before nodding and moving away, leaving his soulmates to go stand by Pepper.
Pepper smiled at the two before focusing on Peter.
"Let's get you fed. If you're going to start spending time with Tony, he's gonna have to get more responsible in his habits."
"I'm always responsible." Tony said, whisking by with a pizza box.
"Responsible for not being irresponsible." Natasha smirked, running her fingers through Peter's hair as she passed.
"Come on honey, let's join the vultures before we miss out."
Peter's mouth twitched in a smile as he followed Pepper to the table.
"Everybody let the wounded go first." Clint grinned at Pietro's glare.
"Age before beauty." he scoffed.
"Then Steve goes first." Sam laughed.
"Ha ha." Steve said, rolling his eyes.
"You snooze you lose." Natasha said, passing pieces around to Pepper, Peter and Wanda before serving herself.
"Hey!" Clint grumbled.
Pepper and Wanda just grinned as they picked up their own slices, making a show of eating.
Peter looked down at the two slices on his plate.
"Just let me know when you're ready for more." Steve said, leaning over. "I'm closer to the boxes."
Peter watched as the man put three slices on his own plate and started eating.
Looking down at his plate again, he couldn't ignore the sudden gnawing hunger in his gut. Giving in, he picked up his own slices and began eating.
He listened as Tony went into detail about his suit upgrade and thoughts on upgrades to everyone else's equipment, careful not to draw to much attention Peter's way, but also not hide his involvement.
"Maybe we should have sent this one with you two." Clint grinned, patting Pietro on the shoulder.
"Ha ha. That won't happen again."
"You said that last time." Wanda smirked.
"How am I supposed to compete with Steve? He's bigger and better at hand to hand!"
"That's the point of training." Steve grinned smugly.
"I hate this family." Pietro huffed.
Peter looked up at the words.
Family?
When was the last time that word had really meant something?
Yet, here they were, tossing the notion around as though it was just a given sentiment. That family was what they were and they didn't think much about it, just accepted it as truth.
Peter looked down at his plate guilty.
He was intruding.
A hand took his under the table, causing him to look up as Wanda smiled gently at him as warm reassurance passed through him, pushing his negative thoughts back, but not fully away.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next three weeks passed slowly for Peter.
The outings with Venom, followed by his "hard truth", as he liked to call them, lectures.
The constant run-ins with various team members all trying to include him in conversations or whatever they were doing.
Watching Tony and Pepper disappear for hours before showing back up looking a little tired but more nervous and happy at the same time.
Hearing the whispered conversations of trying to figure out how he was getting out at night.
Venom had become extremely entuned to their spying habits outside the bathroom window.
All that though paled in comparison to his time with Pietro and Wanda.
Every day at the compound drove him further into his soul bond. He found himself gravitating towards them whenever they were in a room together, no matter how hard he tried not to. One minute he'd be on one side of the room, the next he'd be practically beside them.
Every time it happened, Venom preened a little.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
He knew something was up when he shuffled into the penthouse kitchen only to find it empty.
Usually Tony and Pepper would already be here, cooking breakfast and pretend bickering, but all was quiet.
"Oh, Peter!" Pepper said, round the corner. "I'm sorry honey, Tony and I have an important meeting this morning. The kitchen is stocked with anything you want. We'll be back for supper."
"Don't stay up here all day kid." Tony smiled, ruffling his already messy hair as he walked by.
"Don't listen to him, Peter." Pepper said, rolling her eyes. "Do what you feel like doing. We'll see you tonight."
Without even thinking, she kissed the top of his head.
"I love you, baby." she smiled as she walked out the door.
Peter stood, frozen in place.
"I love you,baby."
Boomed through his mind, his head tingling where her lips had touched.
I like her.
Peter couldn't reply, to stunned to do so.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
He wound up spending the day locked away in the penthouse. He couldn't face the bustling about of the rest of the compound, not when Pepper's words were stilling ringing in his ears.
"I love you, baby."
They were said so easily, no hesitation or thought as to if they were true.
He didn't know how to process them.
He hadn't heard that since May and Ben.
He wallowed in his thoughts, only briefly acknowledging that Venom, aside the one comment that morning, had remained silent.
He jumped as the door rattled before an excited Pepper Potts and Tony Stark entered.
"Hey kid," Tony smiled. "FRIDAY told us you spent the day in here. You ok?"
"Y-yeah." he replied meekly.
Pepper whisked her way over to him, sitting down on the couch beside him and placing a thick, manilla envelope on the table.
"Peter, look at me sweetheart."
Peter lifted his eyes from the envelope to her face.
Her smiled was soft but her eyes held apprehension.
"I have something I want to talk to you about. It's very serious, but I hope you'll be happy with it."
Were they going to tell him to leave? It wasn't like he hadn't implied the desire to do so before. Maybe they had finally decided to give him what he, or at least he had, wanted.
He could no longer deny he was beginning to accept he wanted to stay, regardless of his worries.
Taking a breath, Pepper picked up the envelope and laid it in his lap.
"Inside are some extremely important papers. I want you to read them carefully."
Peter nodded slowly before pulling the stack of papers out and beginning to read.
The words seemed to blur, run together, make sense, then not make sense as he worked through the pages.
"These....these are adoption papers. They're signed."
"Yes, they are. You are now officially Peter Parker-Potts. How does that make you feel?"
Peter stared at the papers, his mind devoid of thought.
How did he feel?
Was there a right or wrong answer?
Without speaking, he jumped up and ran to his room, slamming and locking the door behind him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Pepper didn't speak as she carefully placed the papers back in the envelope.
"You know that doesn't mean anything, right?" Tony asked, sitting down beside her.
"I didn't expect him to jump for joy if that's what you're asking. Sam prepared me for this in advance."
"That doesn't mean it couldn't hurt."
"Of course it hurt, but again, I expected it. Peter is now officially my son, that part is out of the way for me, but Peter has to come to terms with it in his own way and time. But this was just one hurdle. We still have to make it through the Matthews trial without word of Peter getting out, and while keeping it from him and the twins."
Tony sighed, running his hand down his face.
"I'd suggest having Sam talk to him, but maybe that's to soon."
"Let's give him tomorrow before we consider anything." Pepper said, standing up and making her way to their room.
Tony followed behind, but not before pausing at Peter's door, listening for any sign of movement. When he didn't hear anything, he continued on after Pepper.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Peter felt overwhelmed by Venom's pleasure at the situation.
He had known talk of adoption was being done, but to have the proof of it being final was a different situation entirely.
There was no way out now, and he wanted out, didn't he?
Wasn't it safer and better for everyone for him to leave?
They were in danger with him here. No doubt something bad would happen that would be completely his fault.
Venom grumbled, causing Peter to pausing his thoughts.
He was far to emotionally exhausted to be lectured right now.
Let's go out.
Why?
It will clear your mind.
Biting someone's head off will not clear my mind.
It clears mine.
Good for you.
There was quiet a moment before Peter let himself go.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Peter entered the bathroom 20 minutes ago. He has not emerged."
Pepper sighed. She had figured he would pull an escape act.
"I guess we'll let him have this one." Tony said, sitting on the bed next to her.
"Not like we have much of a choice."
"You think he'll be ok?" Pepper asked, knowing Peter's escape was due to discovering his adoption had gone through.
"He always is." Tony shrugged. "I won't say he might not be a little more reckless than usual tonight, but we literally have a wellness tracker on him with Wanda and Pietro. He's going to the city. They'll know if he gets hurt and all of us will go after him."
"What if he doesn't come back this time? Tony Stark didn't put a tracker on him this time." Pepper snorted.
"No, but FRIDAY and I may or may not have access to security cameras around the city."
Pepper looked at him as Tony tried to appear nonchalant.
"I'm not even going to ask."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Wanda frowned as a long scratch appeared on her skin before slowly beginning to fade.
Peter's healing factor was a wonder.
"I guess he's left again." Pietro sighed, lower his arm.
"Pepper finalized his adoption today. I guess we should have expected this." Wanda frowned.
"We've made a lot of progress lately though." Pietro said, trying to be more cheerful than he felt.
"Yes, but what if this undoes all that. What if he doesn't come back this time?"
"I think he will." Pietro smiled a genuine smile.
Wanda tried to return it, but couldn't quite reach the optimism.
A knocking on their door caused the two to share a confused glance before moving to open the door.
Natasha studied their faces a moment before letting herself in.
"I'm guessing Peter got hurt, so you know he's gone."
"Yeah, but he's healed." Pietro shrugged, trying not to seem concerned.
Natasha nodded before speaking.
"Are you two ok? Peter will come back."
"Not much we can do." Wanda said, a bit of begrudging acceptance in her tone.
"No, but just know Peter needs tonight. He had a lot dumped on him. Adoption is more terrifying for him right now than anything else."
"I'll feel better once he's actually back." Wanda said, looking away.
"This will be good for him." Natasha smiled. "Good for him and good for both of you. He's made a lot of progress these past few weeks. Sam has given a lot of helpful advice that seems to be working. We'll get there. This is a big step as Peter now knows he has a permanent place here."
"I'd be lying if I said the adoption didn't make me feel better." Pietro sighed. "It means no one can take him from us."
"No one but Peter himself." Wanda frowned.
"Don't worry about that. Peter's not going anywhere. He isn't fully healed, but he's better than he was."
The small group settled into an easy silence before Wanda and Pietro lifted their shirts as their sides tingled, only to be met with the sight of three gristly gashes across their skin.
"FRIDAY!" Natasha shouted. "Protocol Spider-Baby, right now!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"What the hell is that thing?" Peter grunted, his side burning from where the giant lizard had slashed through Venom's protective cover.
"A major bad guy! Tell me I can eat this one!"
"I don't care what you do, just stop it!"
Venom growled in excitement as he leapt at the green creature, grabbing it and slamming it into a building.
People screamed and ran as the fight spilled out into the open street.
"Be careful of the people!"
"They should move!"
The lizard jumped, claws scrapping down Venom's arm as he barely got out the way of the complete attack.
"Where did he come from?"
"He's definitely not one of my kind."
"I would say not!"
Venom roared as he grabbed the creature's tail, throwing it into a parked car.
"You're gonna have to go harder than that." Peter said, a bit of fear in his voice as he watched the thing get up and lift the car.
A loud scream distracted Venom just long enough for the car to crash into him, knocking him down the street.
"He will taste even better than the others."
Venom ground out, jumping onto the side of a building and following after his foe as it scaled the building.
"We gotta figure out where it came from! What if there are more?"
"Then I will eat well!"
"Please stop telling me you're going to eat it!"
Before Venom could respond, the air was knocked out of them as something slammed into their side, knocking them from the building.
Venom threw out his arms, grasping the wall and stopping their fall.
Looking down, the two groaned as The Avengers, in all their glory, glared up at them.