Hidden Magic • Peter Parker ✓

Chapter 13

We stay outside for awhile, talking about anything and everything. Until Karen alerts me to an incoming call.

"Kid what the hell you can't just launch yourself out of a window with no explanation." Tony yells, but with hints of laughter.

"Yeah sorry about that. I will be home soon, can you send Happy to pick us up."

"Us?" I can almost see his knowing smirk and roll my eyes.

"Yes us, now are you going to pick us up or not."

"Jesus chill." Tony laughs. I give him the address and he sends over Happy to pick us up. Gaius wanted to stay back, saying he isn't up for travelling at the moment, despite my efforts.

Merlin however practically throws himself in the car excited to meet my family. The car ride was pretty quiet, just Merlin and I stealing loving glances whilst Happy rolled his eyes at our affection. He has never been the lovey-dovey type!

After what feels like hours we stop outside the tower. I pull Merlin through the lobby and to the private elevator that leads straight to the penthouse.

"Welcome back Peter. Should I alert Mr Stark to your arrival?" Friday asks from the ceiling, startling Merlin. I laugh and tell Friday to call everyone to the common room.

Merlin begins to shake with nerves, his initial excitement ebbing away. I squeeze his hand as a comfort.

"Hey they're gonna love you. Don't worry." I say placing a light kiss on his cheek. Of course that's when the doors decide to open and my entire family witness me kissing him.

I hear a click of a camera and internally facepalm.

I swallow my pride and beam at my family, lacing our hands together. "Everyone, this is Merlin. Merlin this is my family."

Tony is the first to step forward. Instead of interrogating him like I expected, he enveloped Merlin in a tight hug.

"Thank you for bringing him back to us." He thanked sincerely, his voice thick with emotion.

Merlin hugged him back, smiling.

I took his hand again and led him further into the room. Let the introductions begin!

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"So you single handedly defeated an entire army in less than five minutes?" Tony inquired, leaning forward on his hands. Merlin blushed and nodded, receiving many impressed reactions.

"Reminds me of when cap tried to-"

"Yeah let's not bring that up." Steve snapped at Clint, who just rolled his eyes and sat back in his chair.

"What happened?" Merlin whispered in my ear. I giggled quietly, not wanting to interrupt the new Burt's if conversation.

"Steve tried to fight an entire alien army with half a shield and no backup. Strange came to his rescue before he could get hurt." I whisper back. I hear Merlin suck in a breath and felt him look over to Steve. I can almost hear his thought process, that protective mother gene kicking into overdrive.

"Hey Peter you didn't tell us it's your birthday next week." Leon's sudden statement pulled me from my thoughts.

"It is?"

"Yes!" Tony exclaimed, turning on the couch to face me with an incredulous look.

"Oh. I completely forgot."

"Well you better expect a party and a shit ton of presents." Everyone looks at Cap as the curse word leaves Tony's lips. He stares at us blankly before giving in and muttering what might as well be his catchphrase.

"Language."

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