Work Text:
They knew it was going to be awkward and different coming back to the tower. They knew it was going to take some time reforming that bond they once had with Tony and the others. What they were surprised of was how much Tony had changed and who the hell this kid is.
It had been months since the debacle in Germany and Siberia. The only few that really knew what happened in Siberia was Steve and Bucky (who was in wakanda getting his trigger fixed). Not until a few days ago they had found out they had been pardoned. So, now they had their packed bags and suitcases in a jet headed to the tower. As they all settled down a voice spoke out.
“Anyone else think this pardon wasn’t Starks doing?” Sam asked.
A chorus of “me” came from Scott, Steve, and Clint.
Natasha simply said, “No comment.”
Wanda just looked to the side with no response.
———————————————
The ride back was long and exhausting. But they made it and was now crammed into an elevator headed up to there floor.
“I can’t wait to jump in my bed.” Clint tiredly exclaimed.
“What time is it? You think Tony’s awake?” Steve added.
Sam responded, “Probably, it’s like 2:00 am, you know how long he likes to stay up.”
“Yeah, it feels so weird being back.” Steve said.
Nat chimed in, “Yeah, but it also feels really good.”
Then at that moment the elevator opened. The living room was mostly the same, but did have a few things out of place. It was almost like the room was used. They were a little disappointed that Tony wasn’t there waiting to greet them. Not even a “Welcome Home.” They expected it but still had hope. Steve wasn’t giving up.
“Friday, where is Tony and why isn’t he here to welcome us?”
“Boss is asleep, because it is you know 2:09 am, captain.” She said with some snark.
They were all shocked at not only an AI being snarky but Tony was asleep. He used to never sleep, always in the lab drinking insane amounts of coffee. But, no he was asleep, that’s a first. When they all got over their shock they dispersed to their rooms (which were left untouched). Everybody basically passed out as soon as they laid down.
————————————————
It’s been days since they first arrived. It’s Wednesday to be exact. They haven’t seen Tony once. Not to catch up with them, not to check and see how they are doing with the move in. Not even a “Hello.” Clint and Scott have been allowed family visits once a month.
They did catch up with Rhodey and Vision the morning they arrived, after they got some rest. Rhodey seems friendly catching up where they left off before Germany happened. He still has his leg braces, but he’s doing okay. Vision is still Vision. He still chooses to walk through walls instead of using the door.
Now they are all just hanging around in the common room. Except Rhodey (who had some meeting with the military) and Vision (who went on a walk through the city). Nat’s reading a book on the love seat, completely undisturbed. Wanda in the kitchen baking chocolate chip cookies as she listens to music through her headphones. Lounging on the couch is Sam, Clint, and Scott who are in “very serious” debate about what are the best Poptarts as Steve sits beside and observes them amusingly.
“I’m telling you Wild Berry is the best!” Sam exclaimed.
Scott said, “But Wild Berry is so basic, Strawberry Milkshake is much better.”
“Come on, you can’t say S’mores isn’t the #1 pop-“ Clint was interrupted by the ding of the elevator. Out came a teenage boy dressed in blue jeans and a red hoodie. He had curly brown hair and brown doe eyes. He dropped his stuff in a dinning room chair with his eyes glued to his phone as he thanked Friday for the lift and headed to the kitchen. He stopped dead in his tracks and looked up from his phone.
His face contorted onto confusion as soon as he spots them lounging around on the furniture. He recovered rather quickly and his face turned cold as he heads to the kitchen.
Nat who barely glanced up at the boy’s arrival is back to reading her book unfazed. Steve, Clint, and Sam were still frozen with shock as Scott googled what the best Poptart was. Wanda only looked up when the kid squeezed past her with a quiet “excuse me.” The boy grabbed a few waters and a box of Poptarts that was turned around so you couldn’t see the flavor.
Steve and Sam only recovered when the kid was about to reach the elevator. They jumped up fast and Steve blocked the kids as Sam got behind him.
“Son, who-“ Steve begun to say.
“I’m not your son.” The boy said fiercely.
Steve taken then said, “Kid who are you?”
The kid replied, “None of your business, now get out of my way.”
“If you don’t tell us we will have to restrain you.” Sam said from behind.
The teen clearly aggravated said, “If you really need to know I’m Mr. Starks intern.”
“Yeah right, Tony hates kids.” Clint commented from the couch.
“Yeah, and aren’t you a little young, What are you? Twelve?” Sam added.
“I’m fifteen, asshole.” The kid said coldly.
Steve said, “One more chance to tell us to truth.”
“Steve” Nat warned.
The kid said through gritted teeth, “I’m not Lying.”
“Sam, restrain him” Steve said done playing around.
As Sam lunged at him, the kid dropped the snacks he was holding and kicked Sam in the stomach. He flew across the room and hit the wall. Steve then came at him, he dodged every blow from the captain then squatted down and swept his feet right from under him. The boy then proceeded to shoot white strings out of a device that was on his wrist. He webbed Steve and Sam up and they were both struggling to get out. That’s when it all clicked.
At that exact moment Mr. Stark came running in. And instead of helping Steve or Sam he went straight to the kid.
“Peter” Tony said it with the most gentleness any of them had ever heard.
As Tony hugged Peter, the boy said softly, “I’m okay, I’m fine Mr. Stark.”
When they broke apart, Steve had barely gotten out of the webs and he stormed up to the two. Peter got in front of Tony stopping Captain Roger’s in his tracks. He ignored Peter completely.
“You brought a child to Germany” Steve said angrily.
Tony responded, “Yes, I did, but to be fair, it wasn’t supposed to come a fight, remember? We were supposed to talk not fight.”
“How could you be so reckless, Tony. I could have killed him!” Steve said harshly. Tony flinched back.
“Steve” Wanda said as a warning, but he didn’t stop.
“Can you not let go of your ego and admit when you’re wrong for one Goddamn second!” The Captain yelled. Tony then staggered back.
Peter got in his face and said with venom, “Don’t talk to him like that.”
“Son-“ Steve was cut off.
“I told you I’m not your son!” Peter snarled.
“Look kid, I know you don’t understand, but Stark isn’t a great person to have as a role mod-“ Steve’s words were cut off again but with a crack and he fell to the ground with blood dripping down his nose.
There was a pause from everyone in the room when Peter started ranting.
“You have no right to talk about him like that. He’s a greater role model than you’ll ever be. How dare you try to accuse him of something, when you don’t even have the full story. I was Spider-Man way before Mr. Stark found me. He just helped me do it safer. I mean, did you even apologize for what you did. You’re lucky he’s even letting you stay here. When he said he was going to try and get you pardoned I told him it was a bad idea, but I would still encourage him to do what he felt right. He shouldn’t have thought after you left him to die in Siberia. You almost killed him!” He stopped to catch his breath.
The silence was loud. Team Cap was shell shocked to hear what their teammate had done. Tony turned to Peter with shock as well.
“How did you know that, kiddo.” He asked the teen softly.
Peter hesitated but said apologetically, “I- I hacked your suit, I’m so sorry. You just wasn’t telling me the truth and I needed to know.”
Mr. Stark pulled Peter into a bone crushing hug as smoothly ran his fingers through the kids curls. They broke away and realized they had an audience. Clint and Wanda was looking at them with a soft smile, Sam (who had somehow managed to get out of the webs) was looking at Steve with disappointment written all over his face, while Natasha looked at Steve with fury in her eyes. Steve shamefully looked at the floor still clutching his nose and Scott was back looking up Poptarts on his phone.
Tony turned Team Cap and said, “You might wanna get him to the medic.” He gestured toward Steve.
Peter huffed out a laugh and Tony ruffled his hair. Peter went and grabbed his snacks he dropped earlier and headed to leave with Mr. Stark when Scott stopped him.
“Hey kid, we need to settle this one and for all, what is the best Poptart?” Scott asked eagerly.
Peter grinned widely as he turned the box of Poptarts he had earlier around. They weren’t S’mores, Wild Berry, or Strawberry Milkshake. It was one of the most original Poptarts ever.
STRAWBERRY.