Peter had gotten kisses from his Aunt, but it was only ever because she was kissing him goodnight, or when she was leaving for work. It wasn't a whole lot, but Peter didn't complain. His Aunt was too busy from work most of the time, so he never begged for more affection. But that changed when Tony came in.

Peter had an internship with Tony Stark, and what more, he was Tony's personal intern. So the pair was bound to spend plenty of time with each other. And because of this, Tony got to know Peter very well. Well enough to know that Peter had been unusually quiet and saddened. He was a fairly happy person, so it was a little strange that he wasn't his usual chattering self.

"And if we place the atoms here, we could-"

Peter stopped when Tony places a hand on Peter's.

"Um... Mister Stark?"

"Peter? Are you okay?"

"Um... why?"

"Well, you don't seem to happy. You're not your usual self. Are you okay?"

"Well... I'm fine, really."

"... alright then."

After a little more time, Tony then had a weird feeling that maybe he knew why Peter was feeling this way. His Aunt was gone often... so... Tony then puts the pieces together. He realizes, or so he thinks he might be right, about what was going on with Peter. So, he waits a bit more, then gives Peter a kiss on his head. Peter doesn't look up, but he sees the smile on Peter's face, so he keeps working with him. Tony then keeps this up ever since then...

——-

Peter sat next to Tony and watched whatever Tony was watching.

"You wouldn't want to watch this, kid. It's scary."

"Pfft. As if I'd be scared."

Just then, IT, the clown, came into the screen, and Peter let out a girlish scream. He grabs onto Tony and Tony hugs him as he laughs.

"Easy, kid! It's only a clown. Lemme put something friendly."

Tony then changed the channel and it played Miraculous Ladybug.

"Yes! Ladybug!"

The pair then got back on the couch as Tony wrapped an arm around him.

——-

After getting permission from his Aunt, Peter now spends most of the time that he usually spends at home in the tower. He hopped around the penthouse, waiting for Tony to come back from a meeting. Just then, Tony quickly rushed to Peter and took his hand.

"Where are you taking me, Mister Stark?"

"To my next meeting. I have so many meetings today, and I'm bored out of my mind. So you're coming with me."

"Kay!"

Peter then held on tight to Tony's hand and was with him during the meetings. Meanwhile, the attendees were fairly surprised to see a teen hold hands with Tony Stark himself, even able to move around while Tony focused on the meeting. Soon, the final meeting was over, and someone was curious enough to finally ask.

"Ah, Mister Stark Sir, if I may ask..."

"Yeah?"

"Who is the child with you?"

"He's a teen. And he's my personal intern. Speaking of which, come on, kid."

"Coming!"

They all then watched in surprise as Tony held onto Peter's hand when they left.

——-

Peter was going through another episode of depression during a rainy day. May had been gone more often, and the Avengers were off on a mission that Tony wasn't needed for, so now he didn't have anyone to be with. Peter could only to into his room and cry. However, he would soon feel a hand on his shoulder.

"Hey. FRIDAY notified me. You're not doing to well."

Peter didn't say anything.

Tony then got an idea. He got onto the bed and gave Peter a hug.

"Peter? Come on, talk to me."

Peter only sniffled.

"Aw, you that sad buddy?"

"Mmhm."

He then picked Peter up and spun him around.

"Ah, Mister Stark!"

Tony then flopped onto the bed and began to tickle Peter.

"Ahahaha, no! Stop! I-I ca- no!"

"Give up, kid!"

"N-nev- aha! Never!"

"Come on! Say it!"

Tony then has Peter in a tight hug.

"I am the coolest Avenger ever! Say it!"

"Okay! I am the coolest the Avenger ever!"

"Okay, now say, 'I'm Awesome'."

"I'm awesome."

"Now say, 'I am loved'."

"I am loved."

"Good. Now say, 'I have value'."

"I have value."

"And you do."

Tony picked Peter up and held him.

"I love you, Mr. Stark."

"...... I love you, too, my little spider baby. Now, it's getting late. Time for bed."

Tony then tucks in Peter, kisses his forehead, and stays with him until he falls asleep.

Tony made a promise to himself that he would look after the boy he now called his son.