Because He Loves Me

Chapter 5: Surprises At Dinner

Warning: There could be some triggering conversations in here, and some curses. 

"Kassidy, Peter, come downstairs!" Pepper called. Both children looked at each other, alarmed. 

"What did we do?" Kassidy asked Peter. 

"Maybe they found out we skipped that class last week to cram for the bio test?" Peter asked nervously. 

"No, we'd already be dead. What if they heard us cursing last night when we badmouthed Ms. Brown?" Kassidy asked with wide eyes. 

"If that were the case we'd be in the bathroom with soap in our mouths, not going downstairs." Peter said, shaking his head. 

"Did you miss any chores?" Kassidy asked. 

"No, you?" 

"No." Kassidy took a deep breath. "Guess we have to go downstairs and find out." But upon arriving downstairs it wasn't angry parents they saw. Instead, in the lounge, there were a handful of people. Peter seemed to recognize them, but Kassidy didn't. 

"This is my son, Peter, as you all know. And my daughter, Kassidy." Tony said. Peter waved. 

"Hey." Kassidy said. 

"Kassidy, these are the Avengers. Captain America - yeah, you've met, great, great - Dr. Banner - you've seen him around in the lab with me  - Natasha, Black Widow - I think you met her, too - Sam, the Falcon - first time, Sam, Kassidy, okay, great - Clint, Hawk - yep, great, cool arrows - Scott, Antman - yes, he transforms - okay, okay." Tony said. "Any questions?" 

"How old are you, Kassidy?" asked Sam.

Kassidy was surprised that the first question came so quickly. "Nearly fifteen." she said. She looked over at her dad, who seemed to be holding in a laugh. Kassidy blushed pink, hearing herself again. Was there anything to make you seem like a  baby more than saying you were 'nearly' an age? The chatter resumed shortly after and Tony pulled Kassidy to the side. "Kassy, you look like you saw a ghost, is everything okay? Do you need some time alone?" Tony asked, concerned.

"No, I'm fine." Kassidy said. "Am I in trouble?" she asked, confused.

"I don't know, should you be?" Tony asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Um....no. I don't think so at least. I just- why are they here?" asked Kassidy.

"They're going to stay here for a while." Tony said, but Kassidy didn't seem to hear or care. Instead she went back into the lounge and let the questions continue.  

"Do you have a suit or superhero name?" asked someone, but before Kassidy could even trace the voice to the person, Steve interjected. 

"Why did you make your son fight in Germany, Tony? You can't just force something on that kid. What kind of parent does that?" Steve snapped. 

"Hey!" there were looks of surprise all over the room. Everyone was sure Tony would be the one to yell, but Peter and Kassidy had simultaneously become five-alarm defensive.  

"Don't talk to my dad like that!" Kassidy said. 

"I was Spider man before he even met me, he didn't force anything!" Peter said without missing a beat. "I decided to go to Germany!" 

"Peter got his powers and he wanted to help! My dad didn't do anything wrong!" Kassidy said, her voice getting louder and louder. 

"You don't help anyone unless it helps you!" Peter said, yelling now.

"If Bucky wasn't trapped, would you have even gone to help anyone?!" Kassidy yelled. "You're horrible, you don't deserve to be here!" And with that Kassidy stormed out of the room. 

"Listen you-" Steve started, but Peter cut him off. 

"You what?! Be careful what you say! She's my sister, and she's right! You don't deserve to be here, you're an asshole!" Peter said, and he sprinted from the room after his sister, tears streaming down his face and leaving everyone in a complete state of shock. 

Tony was least shocked. He knew that his daughter was upset, but he didn't realize how bad it was. And Peter...Peter had always been well-behaved in front of the Avengers, why was he suddenly angry? Tony thought Peter respected the Captain, even if he was out of line. And Kassidy - well Tony had thought Kassidy would be afraid of Steve, it never occurred to him  that she would be so angry. Pepper touched his arm and said, 

"I will handle them, I'll come get you if I need to." Tony nodded and Pepper left. It's going to be a long three weeks.