Family Secrets

Coming Home Pt. 4

Peter got some food and sat at an empty table. Most of his class was sitting together, but Peter knew his mother would be having a talk with him, and if he knew anything about his mother, the rest of the family would probably be included in that talk.

Sure enough, he was quickly flanked by Tony and Pepper, while the rest of the family filed into the table with them.

"Peter has something to tell us, something I think he's been hiding."

Peter looked at his hands. "It's really nothing, guys, I just- just- just have this guys at school- at school who sometimes- sometimes bullies me a little, and- and he- he only does it cause he was hitting Ned, but- but I heal faster- faster, so I- I- I stood up for Ned and now- now, he kinda goes after me."

"He hits you?" Bucky asked, trying to figure out why this hadn't stopped a long time ago. "Peter, you could have hit him back."

"No, I couldn't! I have powers and he doesn't, how is that fair?"

The family was quiet for a moment, before Tony piped up. "You could have at least told us, Bambi."

"I know, but... I can take it, really, it's not a big, big deal."

"It is a big deal," Steve said.

"Maybe Natasha would like to chime in."

Pepper knew Peter was closest to his Aunt outside of Tony and herself. Maybe Natasha could get through to him.

"Petya, I," Natasha paused, as if trying to gather thoughts. "Я люблю тебя. И вы всегда должны чувствовать, что можете прийти к нам с чем угодно. Вы самый важный человек в нашей жизни, и мы всегда будем здесь, чтобы помочь вам. Вы не заслуживаете того, чтобы использоваться в качестве боксерской груши, не тогда, когда вы такой удивительный и такой особенный." (Translation: I love you. And you should always feel like you can come to us with anything. You are the most important person in our lives and we will always be here to help you. You don't deserve to be used as a punching bag, not when you are this amazing and this special.)

Peter sniffled. "I love you guys," he finally said. "And I'll stick up for myself more often, okay?"

"And if we hear differently, this kid will have hell to pay," Clint said with a smile.

After lunch, Pepper asked Peter to lead a tour through the Penthouse, which he gladly said yes to.

"Here is the living room," he swept his hand in front of him as the elevator opened. His family, except Pepper and Tony, collapsed on the couch.

"You guys go ahead, we're gonna watch the news," Sam mumbled.

"They are all tired from sparring," Peter laughed. "This is the kitchen, which is where my Uncles do the majority of the cooking. And down there is everyone's bedrooms and the laundry room. Y'all are welcome to see my room."

Peter led his class to his room, which was easily the size of 2 master's put together. "Karen," he called. "Brighten the lights and play my music."

The lights got brighter, and Dance, Dance by Fall Out Boy came over the speakers.

"Thanks, Karen, stop the music now," Peter called out. "Karen is my version of FRIDAY, she is my AI. She's installed on my phone and watch, as well. She'll be in my car, too, when I get one."

Tony rolled his eyes.

"Now," Pepper said. "Why don't we go see what Peter is working on in his lab?"

The class filed into the elevators again, heading down to the labs Peter, Tony, and Bruce used the most. It was where they worked on new Avengers' weapons and whatnot, but also where Peter tinkered with his own stuff. Recently, he'd been working on new nano tech for his suit.

"I've been working on new nano technology," the teen said with a smile. He didn't go into further detail, just showed them the small button he had installed in the prototype watch. He put it on his wrist, next to his actual watch, and hit the button. It took a second, but eventually his whole hand was covered in black fabric. It was designed to be heavy duty, with resistance to cutting and a flexibility for Peter's acrobatics.

The whole class was in awe.

"Alright, everyone! It's time for you all to head back to the school. Peter will be staying here, since its almost dinner time anyways. Ned, dear, you're welcome to stay if you would like." Pepper raised her arms, ushering the group of high schoolers towards the door.

"I can't, Pepper, my parents want me home early tonight. Thank you though!" 

The class headed out the door, sad to be leaving and stills hocked to learn Peter's secret. When the elevator finally closed, Peter collapsed into his parents arms.

"What. A. Day."