Chapter Text
“Sir, there is an alert about a house fire.”
Tony pressed a pillow against his ear and groaned. “Not my case.”
“Boss, it is Parkers’ home.”
What?
Tony snapped awake and sat up.
“Show me!”
He had expected a status report to appear on the television but no, FRIDAY turned into news station which was on LIVE feed about a block of flats. The upper floors were engulfed in flames and smoke floated thickly up to the night sky.
Peter lived in the highest floor…
Tony knew he had no time to waste.
“Is there a reading on Peter?” He grabbed a pair of jeans from the chair he had thrown them on last night.
“I can sense nothing.”
“Location?”
“All the trackers point to the apartment.”
Tony wanted to scream but he tried to calm down as he pulled on a sweatshirt; it still had oil stains from working on his suit.
“According to the information released, the fire spread quickly. Maybe Mr Parker did not have time to grab his phone or watch.”
“How many fucking times have I told him to keep it on?” Tony engulfed himself into the suit just as Pepper began to stir on the bed. He bolted out the window, he knew FRIDAY would inform her of the reason for his sudden disappearance.
Route to Queens was familiar and he kept his eyes locked on ahead. His sensors detected the smoke.
“Any news on victims?”
“None so far but they are expecting casualties.”
Of course, with that kind of a disaster, it would be a miracle if lives were not lost.
His heart was ready to leap out of his chest as he arrived at Queens Boulevard. Large mass was staring at the burning building, most had on night clothes, some did not even have jackets or shoes. Several ambulances and fire trucks jammed the road as Tony rocketed down and spotted the closest fireman.
“Is everyone out?” He asked immediately and the officer shook his head.
“Most made it out their own but the people in the apartment the fire started from are still unaccounted for. It’s most likely a body recovery mission, no need for IronMan.”
Tony wouldn’t have even volunteered if they asked him.
“Did you see a young boy?” The words stumbled out of his mouth and Tony leveled his hand by his jaw. “He is about this tall, brown hair, brown eyes, skinny, most likely tried to run back to the building after being rescued-”
“Mr Stark?”
Tony froze at the name but the voice talking was wrong. He turned around and nearly cried in relief as he saw May.
“You’re okay,” He called off the suit and embraced the woman. May’s face was pale, with ash covering it in places, her hair in tangles and a bathrobe over her nightgown and slippers.
For once, May accepted Tony’s approach, it was clear the accident had shaken her to the core. She sniffed and forced herself to pull back.
“Peter is here,” She answered the most important question and Tony’s knees nearly gave out as a smile spread on his face. May took his hand and pulled him along. “He breathed in a bit smoke so he is being taken care off, otherwise he would have ran to you when we saw your armor.”
If Tony was to list the best moments of his life, finding Peter sitting in the back of an ambulance, with a blanket over his shoulders and holding an oxygen mask to his face would definitely make top ten. He ran the last few feet and crouched to gather the boy into his arms.
“Thank God!” A hand cradled the boy’s head against his own. “Thank God you’re safe! I was so worried when FRIDAY informed me- Oh, kiddo!”
Tony planted a kiss on Peter’s temple and pulled back to gather the boy’s face against his hands. He wiped at the now dried tears as Peter tried to hold himself together.
“You were terrified, weren’t you?”
Peter nodded frantically and let out a hiccuping breath. Tony cooed and pressed their foreheads together.
“I know, Petey, but you’re safe now.”
“I-” The boy sobbed and buried his face into his mentor’s shoulder. “I’m sorry-”
The man pulled him closer and set the now discarded oxygen mask to the side.
“The suit,” Peter’s mumbled explanation was quiet so the people around them wouldn’t hear. “I tried to grab it but there was smoke.”
“Hey, hey, hey,” Tony felt the need to impart some common sense to the kid, toying the line between mentor and father figure once more. He grabbed Peter’s shoulders and pulled back so he could look at the boy’s eyes through his lowered eyelashes. “It was just material, I can make more of them, but I can’t make another Peter.”
“But- it was expensive-”
“Yes, it was but your life is more precious to everyone,” The man lifted the boy’s chin. “Peter, I don’t ever want to hear of you risking your life just to save some dumb costume or gadget or whatever that can be remanufactured.”
Peter still did not fully take in his point but Tony knew he had to be patient. The boy was still in shock and reasoning with him was pointless. Who knew how much Peter was going to remember of tonight?
“Do you know where the fire started?” He turned to May who had watched the exchange.
“Our next door neighbors. I have no idea what happened, since I only woke to the sound of fire alarm-”
“See, I told you,” Tony gave a grim smile. Last time he and Pepper had been visiting the Parkers (dinner and baby videos of Peter), their fire alarm had started to die. He had deemed the product not salvageable and had started gathering up the other alarms only to his great shock find the two bedroom flat had only one. The next day he had bought and installed alarms to every room and even the hallway.
Just think, if he had not been there that day- Tony rubbed Peter’s knuckles with his thumb.
“I woke Peter up, there was already some smoke in his room and we ran out.”
“Didn’t get any shoes,” Peter whispered and looked at his bare feet. “There was no time.”
Tony took them into his hands and tried to rub some warmth into the veins.
“You have plenty of clothes in the Tower,” He smiled in what he hoped was a reassuring way. “As soon as the nurse clears you, we’ll tuck you into warm bed, okay?”
A sudden explosion forced them to turn their heads to the building. Windows were shattering as fire reacted with oxygen and gas pipes. Tony watched as Peter’s window broke and firemen called people to pull back to avoid injuries from falling debris.
May gave a shuddering breath as she watched her home burn. Tony got up and offered his comfort to her; the woman pressed herself closer to his chest and shook. He looked up and did not need genius brains to figure out nothing could be spared. Everything would be turned to dust.
Books, Pictures, Clothes, Memories- everything gone in an hour.
Sun began to shine through the clouds as they finally made it to the Tower, neither May nor Peter had slept on the ride. Pepper was waiting for them with tea and sandwiches. May refused the food but gladly took the sleeping pills Tony offered from his cabinet. He knew prescription drugs should not be passed around but May had checked the label, deemed it suitable and taken only one. Peter could manage one sandwich and a cup of hot chocolate before becoming motionless and staring at a wall. Tony took him to his bedroom, tucked him in and stroked his hair until Peter’s breathing evened out and his eyes closed.
“Try to get some sleep, buddy. I'll be in the living room.”
He made sure the covers were tightly wrapped and Peter’s position was comfortable. The nurse had instructed them to keep an eye on coughing and wheezing breaths. For now, the boy was breathing in and out but he occasionally let in a quick breath that sounded like a sob.
“FRIDAY, monitor him for me, alright?”
He left the door open and the light on.
Pepper was sitting on the couch, already working on her StarkPad. Tony took his own and started arranging housing for the victims of the fire. They all needed so much, he had to make calls if his business associates were willing to donate either money or material to cover basic needs.
“It’s terrible,” He shook his head as he started to make a list to local organization. “100 people lost their homes for good. Other 150 can go and gather their belongings but Peter and May- they have nothing but the clothes on their backs.”
“It’s a huge shock,” Pepper affirmed. “We need to be sensitive, they’re going to need lots of support.”
“Thanks for reminding,” Tony lifted a finger as he checked a page. “We need crisis services to everyone involved in the fire.”
“Maybe even a psychologist for May, she lost all tangible memorabilia about Ben, you saw the pictures and his clothes May kept around.”
Tony shook his head and laughed bitterly: “It’s so ironic. You remember when our Malibu Home was destroyed, we were on our feet practically immediately.”
“Of course, we have money and nothing of emotional value was lost,” Pepper saw the point. “Plus you were able to retrieve your bots, we lost practically nothing but cars, furniture and clothes.”
“But May and Peter have worked harder for everything they owned. You saw their home, so warm and cozy and filled with life. Their apartment was like its own person.”
“But didn’t they have to move?” Pepper confirmed and Tony shrugged: “Yes, I met Peter at their old place but they moved to a smaller flat a month later. Basically the same but a mirror picture.”
“May and Ben’s wedding picture, Peter’s memorabilia of his parents,” Pepper felt tears in her eyes as she thought about the pain the two would be in. Both were still in deep shock and it would take a long time to get back on their feet.
Peter slept for three hours until he woke up to a nightmare. It was not one with a clear motif but a sensation of dread and darkness. He stumbled out of bed and trudged to the living room. Tony had helped him change clothes earlier and even given him the MIT sweatshirt he admired from afar. It was warm and soft and smelled comforting.
“Hey, kiddo,” Tony’s greeting was bright and he opened his arms, Peter sank into them immediately. They did not usually hug so often but he welcomed the expressions of affection.
“Did you sleep well, sweetie?” Pepper smiled gently.
“No,” Peter shook his head and sank onto the couch and crawled until his head rested on Tony’s feet.
“Aww, that’s too bad. If you want, we can give you something the next time you want to go to bed.”
The boy shrugged and played with the material of Tony’s jeans. The man’s hand came down to caress his cheek.
“I called your school and told what happened. You are given permission to take your time to recover and the school curator and psychologist are willing to help you. They also said something about organizing a fundraiser to help you and your aunt.”
“Okay,” Peter nodded. Tony frowned at the lack of response, usually Peter would be saying others did not need bother for him but now all the fight had been drained.
“Crisis worker is coming here in the afternoon to talk to you and May. You don’t have to partake in it but it might help in going over what happened and how it feels.”
“Sure.”
Tony grabbed Peter’s shoulder and a ran a thumb over it comfortingly. He looked at Pepper who seemed just as lost as he felt.
“You can talk to us too, if you want, Peter.”
The boy shook his head.
“It’s okay, you don’t have to, sweetie,” Pepper placated and moved some hair away from his eyes. “Just take your time, you are still in shock.”
“But we are here for you both,” Tony felt the need to add. “Whenever you feel like you need anyone, be it during the day or night, just call for me.”
The session with crisis worker helped Peter’s condition tremendously, even though it made Peter cry to remember how he had woken up to smoke invading his room.
“You can say anything, it is all confidential. No feeling is ever wrong.”
And so Peter cried about losing his things, the watch Mr Stark had given him, his school books (how could they ever afford new ones?), Tales of Peter Rabbit his Mom had read to him and the baby book that had his parent’s writing about his milestones for the first four years of his life.
“And the videos,” The boy whined. “I can’t remember their voices without them!”
May was quieter but she listed what she lost: Ben’s clothes that still had his scent on them, their wedding album, her wedding dress and little gifts he brought her over the years, the things that made home theirs. They have gathered all the books, movies and furniture over their long years together and now it was all gone.
Tony and Pepper stayed out during the talk, both trying to work on their tasks but finding it hard to concentrate. Pepper had called off all her meetings for the day and the next, she knew May and Peter needed people around.
The door finally opened, Peter walked out first, eyes puffy and face red. He walked to Tony and then whispered: “I want Mom and Dad.”
Tony understood; it had been years and he still longed for his mother in times of grief and joy.
“Oh, kiddo,” He stood up and pulled the boy close. Peter’s arms wrapped around his middle and Tony watched as the worker started talking to Pepper and May left for her own room. He wanted to follow her but he had a priority in his hands.
“How about I find some pictures of them online, would that help?”
Besides, maybe May was like him and wanted to grieve alone.
A week passed in haze. Peter’s resilience was once again shown as after three days, he was eating normally again and even managed to smile a little. May however, retreated into herself and showed clear signs of depression. She spent her days in bed, either sleeping or watching television. Pepper had given her some clothes but she preferred the spare pajamas. FRIDAY informed them she had not showered since the first day and that was a worrying sign. May Parker was a woman who took care of her looks even when working all the time and raising a teenager.
“Maybe she needs something familiar,” Peter suggested while Tony placed more eggs and bacon onto his plate. “Like, she has not spent nights here and it can be a bit overwhelming how rich you guys are.”
“We don’t wave our money around,” The man scoffed and sat down to finish his coffee.
“Maybe not consciously but c’mon, have you even checked the labels you keep in the bathroom? It took me months to learn what each one was for. We are used to economy packs, less quality,” Peter blushed, money was always a sore issue and the started of many arguments between him and his mentor.
Pepper thought about the point and nodded: “It actually makes sense.”
Tony had to take their word for it. He had been born with inheritance while Pepper and Peter were from lower-middle class families that had to learn the ways of the rich and fabulous.
“Okay, so, she needs new stuff, that can be easily arranged.”
After breakfast, Tony knocked on May’s door and opened it slightly.
“We’re going to the store, do you need anything special?”
May shook her head and buried deeper into her pillow.
“I’m taking care of Peter for now so you can rest. You’re free to take whatever you want from the fridge, ask FRIDAY if there are any issues. You have my number, call me if anything comes up.”
The trip to the mall was a rare chance for normalcy and they made the most of it. Tony and Pepper bought Peter some more new clothes, a pair of sensible shoes (the boy’s feet had grown) and they bought little decorative items to make both rooms feel more like home. Pepper led them to the women’s stores where they selected clothes for May (with Peter being the ultimate judge, Tony’s choice of a little black dress was immediately vetoed) and luxury make up.
“She needs a little spoiling after all she has been through,” Pepper commented at Peter’s suspicious look. “Besides, these are way better for skin than cheap market products.”
Tony was in the charge of choosing lipstick and concealer colors for May (he had impeccable eye for makeup).
“We’re home!” Peter called and set down three large bags of soaps, towels, shampoos, anything they usually got from supermarkets. Tony had gone all out and bought anything Peter recalled seeing at home, but he had set the limit at fairy liquid (“Mr Stark, seriously!”). Pepper and Tony followed with paper bags that were a jarring contrast to the plastic ones.
“May!” Peter opened the door and ran to his aunt. “May, look what we bought!”
Pepper stepped in and set on the light. She eyed the form on the bed sadly. Tony stepped in right after and shared her sentiment and worry.
“Look,” Peter showed her a bottle of shampoo. “It’s the same as in home!”
May nodded but did not take the item. Peter frowned at the lack of eagerness from his usually so lively aunt.
“Um, we bought some new clothes too,” He took a bag from Pepper and opened it to reveal a beautiful dark red blouse. “I tried to think what you would like. I know it’s all a bit more expensive than usual but the mall really didn’t have cheap stores.”
“It’s great, sweetie,” May tried to smile but it did not reach her eyes. Peter’s expression fell into anxiety and he looked at his mentor.
Tony cleared his throat.
“I am beat from all that walking. How about we go out to eat tonight? I’m feeling for some Chinese. May, is that okay?”
The woman shook her head: “I’m not really hungry, Tony.”
“May,” Peter’s worry grew. “What is wrong with you? Are you sick?”
“I don’t know, Peter,” May whispered and Tony was dreadfully reminded of the scene of Littlefoot’s Mother dying (he had been a freaking mess during and after the scene, Peter had had to pause the movie).
“But you have to eat,” The boy tried. “You can’t just lie here and sleep! You’ll die!”
“I won’t die, Peter,” May tried to reason her nephew. “I’m just tired and sad.”
“May,” Pepper stepped forward and sat on the bed. “Would it help if we called someone?”
“Peter,” Tony saw it as a cue to leave; if May was going to open up, she would not do so with Peter present. Even in her depressed state, she was still trying to protect the boy. That was why she was not around, she did not want to tamper Peter’s grieving and recovery with her more serious issues. “C’mon, let’s go put your stuff to your room.”
Peter stood up reluctantly, it was only Pepper’s hard but soft look that made him drop the paper bag and walk away. As soon as they got into Peter’s room, the boy sank to the floor and started crying.
“She won’t even try!” Peter banged the floor and sobbed. “Why won’t she try?”
“Kiddo,” Tony got to his knees and hugged the boy, the gesture had become a second nature during the week. “She is trying but she needs a little extra help.”
“I know she is depressed, she was before but now-” Peter whined.
“It was the breaking point. A person can only take so much before their mind and body start working against them.”
“I know, I-” Peter quieted.
“I have depression, Peter,” Tony offered. “I have had since before I can remember, that is why I drank so much. I take medication now and it truly helps, stops my brain from focusing on the bad thoughts.”
The boy gulped and gathered courage: “I might sometimes have depressive episodes.”
Tony nodded, he had suspected as much. “Okay, we need to work on that. Sadness is normal but prolonged depression is not. Would you mind if I arranged you a meeting with a psychologist?”
“So I can talk about myself?” Peter grinned, Tony had often described therapy as fun since it was nothing but talking about yourself for an hour.
“Yes, exactly,” Tony rolled his eyes bemusedly.
Tony hired a psychologist to talk with May five times a week. The meetings were done at the Tower and slowly progress was done. The first day May willingly got out of her room, Peter nearly tackled her into a hug and did not let go for the rest of the day.
She was described antidepressants which at first caused her mild nausea for the first week.
“I had the same reaction,” Tony told when she complained she dared not eat anything. “But it goes away very quickly, you don’t starve if you eat poorly for a few days.”
Tony also encouraged Peter to talk to a professional, firstly about the apartment fire but then about anything else that came to mind.
After a month, life began to flow again. The quartet had formed their own routines and they became even more of a makeshift family. Peter enjoyed having more people around and Tony and Pepper created clear schedule to follow. They had meal times, ate breakfast and dinner together and on weekends took outings to get much needed fresh air. Peter and Tony started jogging at Central Park (where Peter spent half the time chasing dogs).
Finally, Peter asked to go back to school. He had not dared because May was so sad and even Tony could not be present all the time to take care of her. But May was getting her energy back although she was still on undetermined sick leave.
“You shouldn’t have done this,” Peter said as he read his new school books. Tony and him had gone shopping earlier that day and for once in his life, Peter had gotten every book brand new and also three backpacks, pencils, calculator, a mountain of notebooks, journal, laptop, wallet (Tony had taken care of renewing all his and May’s cards) and anything else a student could dream of.
“Hey, we can’t have our star pupil failing high school,” Tony smirked while leafing through the math book. He took a notebook and began to solve the problems on paper. Peter looked at his mentor’s fast handwriting and snorted: “So that is your idea of a good time?”
“Says the boy building Legos.”
“My hobby is at least somewhat normal,” Peter argued. “Yours is just- weird.”
“You don’t become a billionaire by being ordinary, kid.”
“I thought your father and Pepper made you all the money.”
“Ah, my Padawan, you wound me,” Tony jested, he loved a good banter.
The morning Peter left for school, May sat down and began to search to for a suitable apartment. The choices were limited, they had very little assets plus the place had to be within good public transport to get them to school and work.
“This is hopeless,” She sighed and rubbed her eyes. “There is nothing on New York in our wealth category.”
Tony frowned and looked at the screen.
“How about that one?” He pointed at a two bedroom flat near Queens. “Looks suitable.”
“Rent is too high,” May shook her head. “I’m not getting fully paid during my sick leave and we had little savings to begin with.”
“I could give you-”
“No,” May shook her head and Tony sighed: what was with these people and money? He would gladly give them half of his fortune if they only allowed it.
“I appreciate the offer but we can manage it.”
“May, I don’t doubt your guts but it will be difficult. Let me at least call my realtor-”
“Tony, I doubt he deals with low-income housing.”
“He was the one who managed to get all the others some emergency housing,” Tony pointed out and May raised an eyebrow.
“Emergency- there was emergency housing? Why was I not told about this?”
“Because you had- and have- a place here for as long as you want and need.”
May still looked a little hurt and skeptical.
“Besides, it was better for Peter to be in a familiar environment.”
“True,” May nodded and Tony was relieved; even if they disagreed on some accounts, they always were on the same page when it was a question of Peter’s well-being and happiness.
May checked the pages for some minutes more until she spoke up: “There is always the chance of moving away.”
Tony’s stomach turned to ice.
“What?”
“Leaving New York for some place smaller. My pay would be about the same but the living expenses would be much lower. Maybe we could even get a house with a yard, Peter would like that. He has always wanted a dog but we can’t get one here.”
No, Tony felt like crying. Peter couldn’t leave. What would he do without the chance of seeing the boy everyday? If Peter left, they would only be in contact through phone and video chats and meet maybe once a month. It would not be enough.
They wouldn’t have time to meet because Tony would die of a broken heart before it.
“But what about Peter’s school?”
“I don’t want to leave and neither does Peter but if we can’t find an apartment here-”
“You can stay here!”
The words were out before he even thought about them. Then Tony thought them over: Peter and May staying in the Tower.
Yes. It could work.
“Tony,” May let out a disbelieving laughter. “I don’t know-”
“No, hush,” Tony waved his hand as he began to pace. “It- it actually makes sense! Think about it! You can live here rent free, all expenses are covered: you don’t have to pay water, heating, electricity, cable, nothing! You both have privacy, hell, I can modify one of the floors into an apartment for you two! Peter’s school is close and you can get to work through subway, or Happy can drive you depending on your shifts. Meanwhile, you can save your paychecks and still keep looking for apartment.”
The man was elated, over the moon as the plans began to form in his head. He could just picture it all: Peter being there everyday for breakfast, game nights, fighting about who left dirty dishes in the sink, the kind of domesticity you don’t get from staying over just occasionally.
“It’s foolproof!”
May was silent for a moment as she suspiciously recalled everything Tony had said.
“You would let us stay?”
Tony nodded before answering: “Of course! This Tower is too big for two people!”
“SI headquarters is located downstairs-”
“You know what I mean,” Tony waved his hand impatiently and May’s smile grew.
“Would Pepper be okay with it?”
“She is thrilled with anything that keeps from me from drowning in work. She loves both of you! Besides, she used to live with the Avengers, we are both used to lots of noise and action.”
May seemed to warm up to the idea.
“I don’t feel good about staying here for free.”
“Then we can settle a small compensation so that your conscience is quieted but you can still save up for the future.”
“I don’t think a billionaire would put any value on what I can pay,” May smiled slightly but Tony was for once in his life serious.
“May, the money you can give me has more value than anything I have on my bank account.”
Tears burned her eyes as she looked at the benefactor.
“You won’t regret this?”
Tony shook his head: “If I do, I’ll move out and you can stay here.”
May wiped at her eyes and felt like a heavy load had been lifted from her heart.
“Peter is going to be so thrilled when he hears.”
Tony offered his phone: “Which one of us tells him?”