Faith
When Stark got the notice that Peters AI was disconnected and his mask had been taken off, he knew right away that the solo mission the Spider-Kid begged to be on, probably went side-ways.
He’d been all like: ”It’s one guy with a weapon he probably doesn’t even know how to use vs me an actual Spider-guy” over the comm’s.
***
They had been in the middle of apprehending a gang of tech thieves. Guys Tony had never seen before, but with the coordinated uniforms and skill, he’d say they knew him and weren’t fans.
All sporting insignia patches of Iron-Mans iconic logo with the the red circle and slash. Clearly they had personal beef with Iron-Man. Not a new concept but definitely refreshing after the small time crooks he and Peter had taken off the streets the past few months.
They were fast little devils. Hard workers. They somehow managed to highjack a weapons truck on route to what Tony guessed was a undisclosed location on some army base. Why was he not surprised the truck itself wasn’t heavily fortified or with an entourage. The Army was really letting themselves go.
Tony was having an easy time stopping the three thieves though when they all collectively decided to be idiots and all three hoisting a pretty large cannon out of the truck. “Out of all the weapons scattered in the van, why am I not surprised you all chose the big cannon. Tsk tsk tsk. Could have escaped with some of this cargo.” He shook his head in mock disappointment.
“Friday, I want to feel like Spider-Man.” He said with a smirk while raising his arm like Peter would do. “Of course.” FRIDAY complied and a small click was heard within Tonys arm brace. Tony took that as green for go and activated a small but quick stream of web-like fibres.
The thieves all essentially getting stuck within. All three of them struggling pointlessly.
”Yeah, thats the stuff.” Tony nodded in his own approval.
Peter, on the other hand, had been on crowd control.
keeping the citizens of New-York safe and away just in case.
Which would be boring for any hero.
But Peter had something to prove.
He desperately wanted to show Mr Stark that his tech was in capable hands and that he was worthy enough to use it.
So he took his job very seriously and kept Iron-Man in constant updates on his progress.
”That’s great kid, I’m pretty much done here. Just waiting on the police to arrive.”
he looked up in his helmet in a general sense to get Friday’s attention. “Which should be coming?”
”Yes Tony. They were contacted the moment you came on scene and should arrive in fifteen minutes.”
”Well you heard the lady. Your officially free from Crowd Control.”
Excited, Peter landed on a nearby roof.
Just high enough so Mr Stark could see his gangly little arm out stretched and waving at him.
Tony couldn’t help but smirk.
It had been what? Three months and there team work was becoming immepecable and second nature to them both.
Tony took care of the big threats and left Peter to either keep everyone safe or capture a smaller assailant.
Just enough Heroing to keep the kid in high spirits.
Afterall, the last thing he wanted was Peter getting hurt and him getting shot by aunt May.
After she found out Peter was Spider-Man, It took a hell of a lot of convincing to let him keep Spider-manning.
Constant supervision and a report every week was the least he could do to keep her happy.
And he did want to keep her happy.
Tony waved back in a more dignified way feeling good about today.
”your really getting the hang of this Pete. I’m proud of your growth.”
Tony didn’t need to see Peter’s face to know he was blushing under the praise.
The way his hand slowly fell back to his side.
The little foot to foot stepping.
”Aw gee, thanks Mr Stark. I’m really trying to live up to your expectations.”
Tony wanted to make sure Peter knew how great he thought he was doing, so he never hesitates to praise him whenever he’s genuinely earned it. It was important to Tony that the kid never felt unsure, or anxious around him while on patrol. Sure he couldn’t go completely loose, but he felt like he gave the kid enough freedom so to not feel dotted on or babysat. A kid he was, but Peter was growing so quickly. Last thing he wanted to do was stunt his growth.
He was so proud of the hero he was becoming.
In turn Peter took it as confidence and used it to fuel his desire to be the best Spider-Man he could be.
Peter was about to swing down, to where Tony stood awaiting police backup, when KAREN stole his attention.
“Peter, I’ve just been informed that there is a fourth criminal. It seems he’s stolen a modified water gun from this van, somehow escaping, and is currently robbing a parts store.”
“How far out is he.” Peter asked with a hint of excitement.
”I’ve located the business in question and it’s ten blocks from here.”
Peter whipped his head towards Tony’s direction.
He could already see Tony had just been given the same info, cause he looked at Peter then to the criminals in the truck then back at Peter.
Tony was about to say something but Peter cut him off before he could do so.
”I can do it Mr Stark! It’s one guy with stolen tech, How hard can it be?”
“Wait kid. He’s got strong and untested tech. It could be very dangerous.”
Peter quickly walked right to the edge of the building almost careening off the large skyscraper hanging on by nothing but his perfect balance and spidey grip.
”Mr Stark, your stuck here until the police show up. We both know if I took your place guarding, they’d over power me. I might be eager and over confident but I’m not stupid.”
Tony could almost hear the mixture of pleading and venom in the boys voice.
He really wanted to do this, didn’t he.
”It’s one guy with a weapon he probably doesn’t even know how to use vs me an actual Spider-guy”
Silence.
”and KAREN! A kick ass AI who would do anything to protect me!”
More Silence.
”and-and,... Please, Mr Stark, let me do this.”
And there it was.
The combo punch of guilt that peter might feel like he’s being treated like he's being underestimated and the realization that Peter was actually begging.
Which meant he was very serious about this.
Willing to fight for it.
Tony sighed.
“Ok kid. He’s all yours.”
In a blink of an eye Peter had already swung out of eyeshot and toward the active robbery.
”listen kid. The comm’s have been a bit buggy since our last team up and I haven’t had the time to fix em.”
Peter listened closely while he continued to swing away from Tony.
”which means in a block or two, you won’t have me to rely on. You’ll be completely on your own.”
There was a sudden drop in Peter’s stomach.
But he shook it off and steeled himself, continuing to swing full speed away.
”Dont forget KAREN Mr Stark. I’m never truly alone.”
”goo- poi-.”
”Mr Stark? I’m losing you.”
“And what ever you do, don’t get hit with the super soaker!”
Static.
Tony held his breath and prayed.