Because He Loves Me

Chapter 11: Camera in My Room?

Peter had the task of explaining to all the teachers why his sister was not in any class. If he said she was horribly sick, they would send him home too. But he couldn't very well say, "Oh, Kassidy went to be trained with weapons and fighting in order to become an Avenger in a Russian place run by assassins, where if she fails they might kill her. But don't worry, I'll send her homework over."  When Peter thought of it like that, it only made him want to stowaway in the plane. 

Tony thought that could happen, so he was going to drive Peter to school personally that day. 

Instead the plan was to say that Kassidy was transferred to a different school in Europe, where Pepper had family. If anyone asked why, it was because Kassidy needed to go to an all-girls school for a while. And Peter was to leave it at that. 

"Kassidy could get an awful disease in Russia." Peter said casually one night at dinner. Pepper and Tony exchanged glances but continued eating as if they hadn't heard him. 

"Kassidy could become an alcoholic."  Peter said when he and his parents were cleaning up from lunch the following day. "The Russians don't have laws against it." 

"Someone could challenge Kassidy to Russian roulette." Peter said when Tony was changing into his nightshirt the next evening. "There's a one in three chance that she'll die playing it." Tony glared at Peter from the shirt, then twisted his son around and landed a few hard smacks to his jean covered bottom. It couldn't have hurt too badly, but the fact that Tony had even done it was enough to send Peter into tears. 

"Peter, for the past three days you have been dropping hints of terrible things that could happen to Kassidy in Russia. Well I've had it. Kassidy isn't stupid enough to accept a battle of Russian roulette, and I'd like to think I'd raised you and her well enough that she won't drink anything in Russia, whatever the laws are. And Kassidy was vaccinated, she is not going to get a disease. Plus, Natasha is going with her. Kassidy will be fine." Tony ranted. Peter seemed to be on the verge of tears, but Tony did his best to ignore it. "Do you know what your sister is doing in her room right now?" Tony asked. Peter shook his head. "She's asking Pepper and Natasha for a punishment if she did anything you listed." Tony said, getting up and pacing, at the same time forcing Peter to sit on the bed. Peter was shocked. His sister was asking for a punishment in case she did something stupid? Peter couldn't imagine doing that. He would, of course, accept his punishment if he did drink or play with guns, but to ask for one? And to ask Mom to give another Avenger to punish him? That would be mortifying to Peter. 

"Then...then I-I guess she's 'sponsible  enough to go to Russia." Peter mumbled, letting a baby voice take over. Tony nodded. Finally, his son was realizing that. 

"It took me a while to come to terms with the fact that Kassidy was ready for this, I know it's hard, I really do." Tony said. "And I don't think Pepper is completely calm with it yet." Tony paused. "Peter, last night I told you that you needed to do something for Kassidy. Do you remember what it was?" Peter nodded. 

"Y-you told me I need to support her." Peter replied. Tony nodded this time. 

"That's right." Tony said. "Do you think you've been supporting Kassidy these past few days?" Peter shook his head. "Verbal response please." 

"No sir, I know I haven't been supporting her enough." peter said. 

"Or at all, Peter." Tony said. Peter looked at the floor, tears starting to spill from the corners of his eyes. "I know it's hard Peter, she's my daughter. But we have to do this, for Kassidy. If you need to cry again, and you need to be with us like you were with us last night," Tony began. Peter blushed deep red at the memory. "then that's okay." Tony continued. "But you cannot express concern by making your sister doubt her choices." Tony finished quickly when he saw Peter hiding his face in his hands. But if he was trying to hide his crying, he was failing at it. His shaking shoulders and trembling lip was giving him away completely.