Hydra Born Connection [1]

The whole week after Peter woke up was a nightmare. He was plagued with nightmares every night, usually unable to sleep after them, and multiple panic attacks each day. Peter was just glad that his da-Tony hadn't made him go back to school that week.

On Saturday morning, he was walking down the hall when his super hearing picked up in a conversation in Tony and Pepper's room.

"He needs help. The poor kid has nightmares and panic attacks all the time. He barely gets 3 hours of sleep every night, it's unhealthy." Pepper lectured.

"I know Pep, but what if he's uncomfortable with it? I don't want him to shut down because we mention it." Argued Tony.

"I don't care. If this continues he's never going to be able to live a normal life. Well, as normal as life can be for a spider kid." Pepper countered.

There was a beat of silence, "Fine. But who will we use? I don't want to send my kid to someone I don't trust." Peter's heart fluttered and he blushed slightly, does Tony really think of me as his kid?

"We can use the woman that you did after the Mandarin attack. She did amazing with you and I'm sure she'll do just as good with Peter. Besides, I've heard she's moved her business here." Offered Pepper.

"Ok," Tony sighed, "I'll see if I can make an appointment for Monday. When should we tell him?"

Peter opened the bedroom door, startling Pepper, "You don't have to tell me anything. I heard enough of it... What are-what are you going to do with me?"

Tony walked up and placed a hand on Peter's shoulder, "We setting you up with a counselor."

Peter's eyes widened, "Like a 'tell me about your problems and I'll help you deal with them' counselor?"

"That's the one," Tony confirmed.

"Peter," Pepper said from her seat on the bed, "We want you to be able to have-"

"a normal spider kid life?" Peter finished.

"Y'know, we really need to work on this eavesdropping thing of yours." Tony commented.

Peter blushed deeply, "S-sorry, it's just hard not to with my enhanced hearing."

Tony chuckled and ruffled the kids hair, "I'm just kidding with you, Pete."

Peter turned and started for the door but abruptly stopped, "Did you mean what you said about me being your kid?" He asked Tony.

Tony's eyes widened, "Of course I did, Underoos."

Peter smiled and nodded, before heading for the door. A little extra pep in his step.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Monday.

Peter was extremely nervous.

He had no idea what to expect. Would she ask him questions or was he to just tell her? What should he tell her? Should he tell her about Spiderman? All these and many more ran through his head, increasing his inner panic.

And he hadn't even gotten out of bed, though it was already 9:34.

He was skipping school again today, since the only appointment time that was open was at 11 a.m. the middle of the school day. He heard a knock on his door, "Pete? Bud, it's time to wake up." His door opened a crack and light flooded in, Tony walked over to him and sat on the bed.

"Tony, I don't feel so good. I don't wanna go today. What if I mess up and say something wrong? What if I tell her I'm Spiderman? What if-"

"Woah kid. Calm down, it'll be ok. Your first time there is usually pretty easy, so don't worry. And if you reveal you're Spiderman... I'll make her sign a paper or something."

Peter nodded and sat up, leaning in to give tony a hug. "Thank you."

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Peter's first appointment went well, just like Tony said it would. He really liked the woman he worked with, as she was really nice. Not all the sessions were as bright and peachy as the first, though some were. Others he would come out quiet and grumpy, not wanting to talk to anyone and just work in the lab. And them there were those sessions. The ones he would stumble out of, weak and eyes bloodshot from crying. That's why Tony made sure he was always there early to pick him up. And why Happy always drove, in case Tony needed to be with Peter.

Whenever those appointmemts happened, Tony would always hurry to Peter's side, and help him into the car. He would hug him when he started to cry again, whispering reassuring words in his ears. As soon as they would arrive home, Tony would help Peter to the couch and grab them both a container of their favorite ice cream to eat while watching movies. When Peter was finished eating he would lay down, resting his head on Tony's lap, while Tony ran his fingers through Peter's curls. He wasn't sure why, but it always seemed to calm and comfort the kid.

Today all this happened again. Peter was about to fall asleep, but before he did, he mumbled, "Thanks, dad."

Tony's heart did flips inside his chest, and he smiled like a little child. This kid, his kid, just called him dad, and Tony couldn't think of a happier moment in his life. "Anything for you son." He replied quietly.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Authors note:
Hooray! Peter's getting better and another long chapter. I don't have too much to say except the end is close! Thank you for reading and commenting.
Lots of love,
Siri