It's Peter. - Trans!Peter Parker

Chapter Five

Tony POV

"Pull over here," I told Happy, and he stopped the car in front of the police station.

I strolled in and went straight to the front desk, slamming my hand down to get the attention of the person behind the computer.

"It has come to my attention," I began, loud and clear, "that there was a murder a month ago. The victim was a May Parker and her nephew, Peter Parker, is now...? Where exactly?"

The person at the desk hesitated, and when he eventually saw I wasn't leaving, asked, "what gives you the authority to ask the whereabouts of... Mr. Parker, was it?"

"How about the fact I am Tony Stark, the one and fuckin only Iron Man? And I personally hired this kid, and he hasn't been coming to work. Give it to me, where is he," I impatiently beckoned with my hand.

The man sighed and reluctantly typed away at his computer.

"May Parker, deceased a month ago, murderer unknown... niece has been put into foster care..."

"What of her nephew," I asked, drumming my fingers on the desk.

"No nephew is recorded. Only a niece by the name of Alexis Parker. She's currently in foster care, but that's as much as I can tell you," the man sighed.

"Where's the house, foster home or whatever," I asked, supposing I'd try it out. The man told me the info and I took off. I directed Happy to the home and we started our drive.

---

Peter POV

"Get outta my way, ya' lil' shit!" Rob yelled to one of the younger children, David.

"Leave him alone," I said, firmly planting myself in front of David, staring down at Rob's circle-ish form.

"What're you gonna do about it missy? You ain't got what it takes, with no balls and all that," Rob smirked, looking pleased with his insulting skills.

I didn't say anything back, just refused to move while David made a break for it before it got ugly. I knew what was coming, the yells, the punches, the insults. I didn't care, I would heal quicker than the other kids. It's my job as an (almost) Avenger to protect the weaker.

Rob raised his chubby fist and I closed my eyes, bracing for the blow, when someone knocked at the door. Rob grumbled angrily and shot me a look saying I'm not through with you.

I let out a breath and sat on the moldy couch while Rob got the door. I could see some of the kids peering down from the staircase to see who it was, and if they were going to be saved.

It wasn't until I heard a familiar voice myself that I felt hope flourish in my chest.

"I'm here concerning one of your kids," came Mr. Stark's drawl. "Alexis Parker?"

I was instantly back into a panicked state. Mr. Stark didn't know. He only knew my dead name, what if he wasn't accepting? Rob wasn't, who's to say Mr. Stark wasn't either? And he might know about Aunt May... But does he know what actually happened? It was all my fault...

"Riiiiight, I have her. She's a beauty. It's been a real pleasure housing her," Rob stressed every pronoun, knowing I could hear him. I frantically looked for a way to run before Mr. Stark could see me, but-

"Peter!" Mr. Stark exclaimed. I could see Happy behind him in the doorway, frowning a tad bit, "Good, I was looking for you. You know how long it's been since you've come for your internship? Too long kid. Come on, I got a car outside.

"We'll be taking him home," Mr. Stark told Rob, and I could see Rob's annoyance. He quite enjoyed having a punching bag, and one where he could poke fun at something they were sensitive about.

"Wait, Mr. Stark," I said, about to tell him about Rob. But not here, so I pulled him into the kitchen, beer bottles littering the countertops. "Could you do something for me? Rob, he hurts the kids. I don't want to leave them here with him."

"Okay kid. I'll tell the authorities, oh wait, that's me," Mr. Stark said, scowling, and strolled back to where Rob was. "It has come to my attention that someone here has been harming innocent young people."

Mr. Stark looked directly at Rob and I could hear him murmur, "JARVIS, alert the hospital there is a man with a broken arm, leg, and fractured hand on North Ave. could you?"

I could see Rob's face turn confused then horrified as Mr. Stark advanced, and I ran to the kids to make sure they weren't looking. They were too young.

---

The ambulance left half an hour later. All the foster kids were being put in new, hopefully better, homes. I, however, was ready for the lecture of my life. I trudged out to Mister Stark's fancy car, my backpack of things slung over my shoulder. I climbed in and looked down at my lap, waiting for the yelling to come.

But it never did. Instead, I felt Mister Stark clap me on the back.

"It's good to have you back, kid."

"It's good to be back, Mister Stark," I grinned, and watched as we drove past the busy streets of Queens.