If They Knew All About You

The Kiss Of Death

For just a moment, Tony had thought that he could have it all. For a few hours after that eureka moment in the lab, when everything had already seemed so lost, just hours after his boy had heard Ross' call, something he should have never been in the room for.

For just a moment, Tony had thought that after everything, he would actually be able to keep his son safe and his team as intact as it would ever be again.

Of course, Pete wouldn't be thrilled that he had practically locked him up in the penthouse but at least Tony wouldn't break his word. He had found the way out. It had all been under control, his plan solid with good odds to succeed until he had heard that voice across the courthouse's hallway. The voice of his kid, screaming for him.

It had been bad when Pepper had shown up, even though he had believed her to be safe at the lawyer's office to organize some things concerning May Parker's medical care that Tony had shamelessly made up entirely. He thought he had been clear when he bad instructed their lawyer Brian that she was to stay there until after his testimony was done. Until Tony would give them the all-clear. That part of the plan had been more of a precaution than anything. After all, Tony had no intention to actually fight Barnes. There was no telling though what Ross would do once he dropped his bombshell. What Clarke would do, when pushed into a corner. He was certain at least that Barnes had no reason to target Pepper even if push came to shove, so while unpleasing, he'd still had faith in his master plan.

No, it had been that moment when he set eyes on his boy in that retched building that deep down Tony had known that this would be bad. His heart was beating in his throat. This wasn't just about Barnes, even if his plan went perfectly, even if they didn't trigger Barnes in retaliation, the kid could not be here. He couldn't find out like this.

Tony's mind was tumbling from one idiotic idea to the next, desperate to find a solution on the fly.

"Dad, please..."

His brain had short-circuited. It had been easier to push to the side amongst the terror and frustration that had pulsed through him that first time when Pete had screamed those words from the other side of the building. It was different as he stood there, right in front of Tony, eyes wide and pleading. Tony had no illusions as to why he had said it, the kid's intention was clear: emotional blackmail born out of desperation. It was the only card left for Pete to play and fuck, Tony couldn't deny that it pulled on all his heartstrings either way.

He would have to tell him. He should have done so right away, but he just couldn't. Not out there in front of people, not with the long lenses of the press at the ready all the way down the hallway. It would have to be in the break. He would have to sit them down, both Pete and Pepper, and tell them as soon as possible. A room somewhere where he could leave them, would leave Pepper to pick up the pieces. Once again.

Only there was no break. No recess, the judge refusing him outright. This was the worst-case scenario, the very situation he had been so desperate to avoid. Tony had gone for the last resort, pulled out his phone and scrolled past the frantic messages of his kid, the ones he had ignored earlier that morning, and typed three words.

Leave.

Right Now!

Pete had looked back up, right at him. Fear had flickered in his eyes but stubborn determination, too. Tony felt a little faint. Why... why couldn't he have just listened this once?

Trust me! Tony typed without even looking at the phone in his hands. Please!

That part at least made Pete frown, threw up some doubts but not enough. Even as Pepper had pulled on his arm trying to get him to leave after she had seen the messages, he simply wouldn't. The Spiderling had made up his mind and there was no moving him. Instead, he shook his head, eyes darting down to his own phone.