Fondue
A Good Example

Summary: Story 66 of Redeeming Grant. The family have a fondue party and share stories
Warning(s): AU, references to spanking.

###

It was lunchtime, and one of the rare occasions when everyone in the compound was actually all at home, not away on missions or at required meetings.

Everyone was sat around the large, reinforced table, chattering away happily and reaching out to help themselves to food. The atmosphere was relaxed and happy...about as chilled as it could be.

Laura had sneaked her new kitten to lunch with her and was sneaking little bits of food to the kitten when she thought no one was looking. Of course, she knew that multiple family members would be able to see what she was doing...so it was more of a game than anything else.

Logan was smiling fondly at his daughter, pointedly 'not noticing' her feeding the kitten. He was sneaking bits of food from his own plate onto Laura's so she could continue feeding the animal.

"You know what we need?" Bobbi said out of nowhere. "We need to have a party to let all the new family get to know everyone better."

"It's been a while since we did something large scale where everyone could be involved..." Mack agreed. "Not since we were all at the mansion and played capture the flag...."

"Capture the flag?" Peter perked up. "That sounds like a lot of fun!"

"It was." Steve smiled fondly at his grandson before saying, "But playing something like that here, given how the family's now grown, would probably take a bit more organising. But we could still do something a bit larger scale."

Tony slanted his head, glancing between his father and mother before grinning brightly. "I know! We could all go out to the tree houses, build a bonfire, and have a fondue party! I remember when I was a kid, dad - Howard- told my mom how he always felt bad because you and Peggy wanted to have a fondue party but your plane went down before you could...."

Bucky bit his lip and gave Steve a shit-eating grin. "That sounds like a great idea, Stevie. We can have that fondue party you never got to have...."

"Yeah! We could probably even tell stories there!" Tony- not seeing Bucky's grin or he would have realized he'd said something funny- was excitedly making a list of items needed for proper fondue. "We should have several varieties of cheese and chocolates... But also, fruits and bread...."

Steve very carefully avoided smiling or doing anything that would make Tony realise the real meaning behind what Howard had said; partly because he didn't want to embarrass his son, but also because an actual fondue party sounded like a good idea. "If we take out sleeping bags and pillows, we could set up camp in the treehouses."

"If we opened portals, it would make it easier for everyone to see and hear," Mordo said.

"Or I could get a portable microphone. Whoever is telling the story can hold it. That way, you don't have to make yourselves tired for no reason. When it's time to separate into the treehouses, it wouldn't matter so much..." Tony shrugged. "Most everyone would be looking at the fire anyway, since it'll be dark."

"Should some of us make supply runs to stores?" Leo asked. "We might end up buying all the stock in one or two, given how many of us there are."

"Possibly... Or I could have Friday make orders from all nearby stores and have it delivered... We probably want to make certain we have enough fondue pots and burners as well..." Tony said, glancing at Pepper. She would know what they had in storage as far as what was needed to prepare the ingredients.

Pepper nodded. "I don't think Stark Industries has ever done anything with fondue, so we'll need to buy the paraphernalia to do it. That might be where we need portals... If the pots and such are so far away, they can't be bought and shipped here by tonight, we'd need to go pick them up in person...."

"Just tell us where you need the portals and we can open them," Wong said.

"As soon as we've ordered the pots and know where to pick them up, I will let you know!" Pepper said, already going through her Stark pad and placing orders.

"So... What time tonight?" Bill asked, figuring everyone would go do their own thing until it was time to meet up again.

"It likely depends on how quickly everything can be ordered," Fury said, with a fond smile at Tony. "Is it better for Friday to send a message to all of us once everything's been confirmed?"

"Yes! I will have Friday announce when everything is ready and you can go to the tree house area. Maybe some of you can get firewood so we can do the bonfire... We made a spot specifically for that, so it will be safe enough," Tony said.

Fury quickly began organising the collecting of firewood with those who wanted to do that, while the other family members went to do their own thing until the announcement came.

***

Yelena looked at Druig. "I think we should sneak onto the grounds. If we get into the building with some of the agents that work there, maybe we can find out more information."

"What if they see us?" Druig asked nervously.

"We run..." Yelena shrugged.

***

It was several hours later and everything had been gathered. The bonfire was burning brightly, the various fondues were bubbling,  everyone was eating and having a wonderful time.

Yelena and Drug had snuck in and were close enough to watch and hear (because of the microphone), but far enough away to not be noticed, or at least they assumed.

"So... Didn't someone say something about stories?" Trip asked. "Who's going first?"

Peter had been looking...not exactly pensive, but more thoughtful than normal. He'd wanted to raise something to the family, but hadn't figured out how to do it yet. This story time might give him the chance to do so. "I have something," he said. "When I was out recently, going to meet Gwen, I ran into an old school friend."

***

Heading along the street, Peter sneaked a glance at his watch and relaxed a little. He should have plenty of time to buy the flowers and then get to Gwen's apartment...hopefully make a better impression than he had the first time he'd met her and her family for dinner. Captain Stacy was much more tolerant of him now, especially knowing that Peter was part of the Avengers and SHIELD family, but he still didn't want to risk messing anything up when he and Gwen were just starting to settle back into trying to date.

Flash was walking out of the corner market, opening a soda, when he saw Parker. When they'd been in high school together, he'd have been tempted to tease and harass the other young man. Since graduating, he hadn't seen Peter. Not in person, anyway. He knew Peter's life had drastically changed, though; that he lived with the Avengers in some compound a couple of hours north of the city. A thread of jealousy wriggled through him and he took a swig from his soda. He wouldn't tease or harass today. The last thing he wanted or needed was to draw the attention of the Avengers. And having Peter know how far he'd fallen would be humiliating. He began to walk in the opposite direction, hoping Peter hadn't noticed him.

Peter glanced up as he spotted Flash leaving the corner shop. "Hey...." He lifted a hand in greeting. Their interactions had been mostly rocky, up until his Uncle had died and Peter had got his powers. Since then, they'd been mostly cordial to each other. But he hadn't seen Flash since graduation, since they hadn't really kept in touch.

Flash paused, then tried to act as if he hadn't noticed Peter moments before or tried to sneak away. "Oh... Hey! Long time no see, Parker. How's it going?" he asked, in as jovial a tone as he could manage.

"Pretty good. Finally settled on my college major." Peter moved a bit closer to Flash. "What about you?" He'd noticed that Flash had tried sneaking away, but wasn't sure how to bring that up yet.

"Oh... Same. You know how it is..." Flash said, in an overly enthusiastic voice. "Classes take a lot more time now," (he wasn't in college), "and dating a lot of different girls...." (He wasn't dating at all. He was too busy working, trying to survive).

"Where are you going now?" Peter asked. He was busy looking at Flash...taking in the other boy's appearance. Flash looked kind of like his Uncle Tony had, when he hadn't been sleeping or eating because of the conflicts with his dad. Flash didn't look quite as bad as Tony had...but he didn't exactly look healthy. He looked like he'd lost weight, and like he wasn't sleeping much, if the dark circles under his eyes were any indication.

"Oh... Heading home to make dinner and study..." Flash lied. He had a side job on top of the job he had at the wharf, delivering pizza.

"If that's all you're doing, why don't you come with me to Gwen's?" Peter suggested impulsively. He didn't want to stand up Gwen...but he also didn't want to just let Flash leave, either. He quickly sent a text to Gwen, reading, Hey, I just ran into Flash. He's looking pretty rough. Mind if he joins us for dinner?

The reply came back faster than he'd been expecting. Sure. We've got someone else here as well. I'll let Mom know.

"Uh... Sure..." Flash said hesitantly. He needed the money from the delivery job, but if he didn't go with Peter, he'd have to explain. Luckily, the delivery job wasn't set hours, he did it when he could fit it on his schedule, so he didn't have to worry about losing it. He just wouldn't make any money from it until later. But then again, free home cooked meal? It might be worth it in the long run.

"Great!" Peter smiled. "We just have to make a quick stop at the florist. I want to pick up a bouqet." He began walking in that direction, staying close to Flash.

"So... Uh... You and Gwen are still together?" Flash asked, trying to get rid of the uncomfortable silence, but not sure what to say.

"We took a break while one of my other friends was getting treated for a really messed-up condition," Peter admitted. "So now we're...picking up where we left off. Sort of. I didn't make a great first impression the first time around. What about you?" he asked. "Anyone you feel like you might want to have a serious relationship with?"

"Nah..." Flash forced himself to chuckle. "Too busy playing the field, you know? All the ladies like me... Don't want to be selfish and not give them all a chance to know me!" He grinned. It was a lie, but one he thought might be something Peter would believe about him; that he was a playboy unable to get serious about anyone, and it would hopefully prevent further questions.

"Yeah?" Peter was quiet as they went into the florists and he bought a bunch of flowers, only speaking up once they were on their way to Gwen's apartment once more. "You don't seem like you're in a great place."

"What'ya mean?" Flash narrowed his eyes, offended. Just because he wasn't in a good place didn't give Peter the right to notice it. Especially when no one else who spent every day with him had noticed. It was tantamount to being told he looked horrible or a mess.

"You look kind of like my Uncle Tony did, when he and my Grandfather were at odds with each other," Peter said. "He wasn't really eating or sleeping, but tried to pretend he was fine to everyone around him."

"Well... Not at odds with anybody." Flash grinned (no one to be at odds with, as he'd been disowned and his 'family' had left to he knew not where). "I have been working a lot on top of school and my social life. Maybe I am little tired, but saying I look rough is just mean!" he teased, in an effort to derail any potential further questions.

"What job are you working at the moment?" Peter was thinking about what jobs were available at the Avengers compound. If there was one thing he was certain about, it was that his family would make sure someone like Flash would be able to earn enough money without tiring him out.

Flash blinked in confusion. "Why so many questions? We haven't seen each other in years..." he asked, instead of answering.

"I mean...it's normal to ask about someone you haven't seen in years," Peter said. "Besides, if you're working long hours, maybe it's worth looking at a different job. I live in the Avengers Compound...and there are options available there if you wanted a different job."

"I work on the wharf. I'm one of the dock workers..." Flash admitted. "Doubt they'd want me for anything at there."

"At the compound?" Peter asked. "I'm sure you'd be surprised. There'd be a lot of avenues opened to you," he encouraged gently.

Flash snorted. "I'll have to take your word for it,"  he said cynically. It hadn't been easy to find steady employment. He was reluctant to quit on Peter's assertion he'd find better, even if the other man lived there and knew the Avengers.

"I can pass them your resume. You don't have to just go out and quit your job if you'd rather not," Peter said. "But there's no harm in giving it a chance." By this time, they'd reached the apartment building where Gwen and her family lived and he pressed the buzzer, announcing his presence. When the door was unlocked, he led the way inside and towards the elevator.

Flash hung back, behind Peter, uncertain of his welcome. He hadn't actually been invited by Gwen or her parents, after all. "I can do that," he said, as an aside to Peter. He probably wouldn't, he didn't have any degree to encourage being hired, after all, but if he agreed, maybe Peter would stop worrying.

Peter nodded. "I think you should give it a chance, at least." When the elevator opened, he stepped out and headed to Gwen's apartment, knocking on the door.

Gwen immediately opened it and stepped forward, hugging Peter. "Hi, Pete!" She took a step back and smiled at Flash. "Hi, Flash. It's good to see you again," she said warmly.

Flash smiled at Gwen crookedly. "Hi, Gwen. It's good to see you too." He followed Peter into the apartment once Gwen invited them in.

Once they were inside, Peter produced the flowers and gave Gwen a disarming grin. "Can I give these to your Mom?"

"Of course. And I will just say that those are in much better condition than the last time you came." Gwen gave a soft laugh and nodded to the kitchen. "She's in there, with my Dad and our other guest."

"Thanks." Peter headed towards the kitchen.

"Would you like a drink?" Gwen turned back to Flash.

"Uh... Yes please. Thank you ..." Flash smiled at Gwen, preparing to be sociable for the first time in months.

Peter stepped into the kitchen as Gwen listed off the drinks they had available. He handed the flowers over to Gwen's mother, who smiled and thanked him and went to put the flowers in water.

Seeing Captain Stacy there wasn't a surprise...but the other person there was, and Peter's eyes widened a fraction. "Dr. Connors, it's good to see you," he said...leaving unsaid that the last time he'd seen the older man, it had been when he was being arrested for trying to mutate the whole city.

"Peter." Connors smiled faintly and nodded at the younger man. "How have you been?"

"I'm doing good. Really good," Peter said. "I'm living at the Avengers Compound now. With my Aunt May. Bruce Banner adopted me. What about you?" He tilted his head.

Connors blinked. "Bruce Banner adopted you? I thought he was hiding in India somewhere..." he said a bit confusedly. "I'm doing as well as can be expected. I've been released for good behavior. I'm on probation, but at least I'm out...."

"Rehabilitation," Captain Stacy said to Peter. "The police department's following the Avengers' example. It's impossible to miss the amount of criminals and former supervillains being adopted," he muttered, half under his breath.

Peter grinned. "I bet they'd be glad they're setting a good example for other people."

Flash blinked. "That wasn't just a rumor, then? I mean, I know you said you were adopted, but...."

Connors snorted softly. "If it's a rumor, then it's one that inspired. I wouldn't have been let out so soon without the new program."

"Not a rumor," Peter said. "I'm sure my family would be really happy to know that their actions have inspired this program. My cousin Blake, he's a police officer. Pretty sure he'd be all for introducing a similar program in his precinct."

"If you can put him in touch with me..." Captain Stacy offered.

Peter nodded. "I will do, thanks."

Flash bit his lip. "So does this program always involve police captains bringing home the parolees?" he asked curiously.

"No. This is a more...unusual situation," Captain Stacy replied. After all, Doctor Connors had tried to kill him while mutated. He hadn't succeeded, but not for want of trying. And he still had the scar as a memento.

Gwen bit her lip, remembering the long hours waiting for her father to come out of surgery, and moved a bit closer to him.

Connors didn't remember things clearly from when he was mutated; it seemed more like a dream. But he did remember. He looked toward the ground and shifted slightly away, feeling the guilt of what he'd done.

"Okay, there are too many people in the kitchen," Gwen's mother said firmly. "Go and make yourselves comfortable. Dinner won't be long."

Shaking his head, Captain Stacy turned to the three younger adults...and Connors...and directed, "Come on. We should get out from underfoot." He ushered them all out of the kitchen.

Flash immediately turned and went back out the way he'd come in, standing in the foyer waiting to be told where to go. He noticed Connors doing the same thing, although Connors was staying very close to Captain Stacy. "Does the new program require you to stay within a certain distance of each other?" He asked curiously, regretting the question when he saw Connors flinch and hunch in on himself even more guiltily.

Connors didn't say anything. He still wasn't sure why Stacy had decided to include him in the prisoner rehabilitation, let alone handle his case personally. What he did know was he hated what he had done to the other man and would never forgive himself.

Captain Stacy noticed the change in Connors' posture and he placed a hand on the other man's shoulder, giving a slight squeeze. He didn't answer Flash's question, instead saying, "Since it won't be long until dinner, we might as well take our seats at the table." He led the way into the dining room.

Peter had also noticed the way Doctor Connors looked. It was a posture he'd seen more than once on one of the family members, when they felt guilty about something. Since he was (fairly) sure that they wouldn't be happy about him blurting out their worst-kept secret...even if it might help, considering the personal interest Captain Stacy was taking in Doctor Connors...he didn't say anything. Maybe he could speak to Captain Stacy alone, one-on-one, and mention it without drawing too much attention.

Flash didn't ask any more questions, embarrassed that he had made the older man feel bad. He quietly followed and sat down next to Peter. "Are .. are you taking classes?" he asked Gwen awkwardly.

Connors followed Captain Stacy and sat where directed, which ended up being on the man's left side.

Gwen nodded. "I'm going to the same college as Peter is. What about you?" she asked.

It was at that point that Gwen's mother and her two sons came into the room, bringing the plates of food and putting them on the table before finding their own seats.

Flash took the food's arrival as an opportunity to get distracted and not answer the question. It had been easy to lie about taking classes himself when it was just Peter and the chance of more questions being asked weren't high. Now, if he said he was taking classes, the chance of being asked which ones, and who his teachers were, and what did he think, was much higher. "This looks amazing, Mrs. Stacy," he said, in very obvious appreciation. It had been a while since he'd had a home cooked meal.

Gwen's mother smiled at the compliment. "I hope it tastes as good as it looks."

"I'm sure it does." Peter grinned and waited untl the others had started before he began eating as well. Gwen and her father, and Doctor Connors, were the only ones who knew about his identity as Spiderman, so he was careful to eat in moderation compared to how he would normally eat at home.

Flash didn't have any such worries, and he hadn't had a decent meal in days; having to carefully budget his money meant buying cheaper food and smaller quantities. He tried to remember his manners, but even with that, it was obvious to everyone that he was very hungry.

Connors frowned slightly, his eyebrows lowering in concern, but he didn't say anything, instead looking toward Captain Stacy to see if he had noticed and was also worried. Maybe this was typical behavior for the other young man? If not... had he been bitten by a radioactive animal as well?

Captain Stacy had also noticed the same thing Connors had, and his eyes narrowed slightly in concern. Noticing the look on Connors' face, he leaned over to whisper in the other man's ear, "This isn't behaviour I've seen from him in the past."

Despite the whisper, Peter's enhanced senses could pick up what Captain Stacy had said, and he cast his own worried look at Flash. Really, though, the other man's behaviour was just confirming what Peter had already suspected; that he was struggling, and had been potentially for a long time.

Mrs. Stacy had noticed as well, but rather than shooting concerned looks to the others in the room, she just passed the platter of food to the younger man. "I'm glad you are enjoying it. Help yourself to more. There's plenty."

"Thank you, ma'am. This is really good!" Flash praised the food and did as she offered, filling his plate.

"Where are you living now, Flash?" Captain Stacy asked, thinking that the suddenness of the question...and the distraction of food...might help the younger man to be more honest.

"I rent a room on the wharf... Makes it easier to get to my job..." Flash said, without thinking to come up with a lie. Hiding things from Peter had been easier. Peter was his age and they'd never been friends (more Flash's fault than Peter's), even if they were on friendlier terms toward the end of high school. Captain Stacy had been an authority figure his whole life (he'd known Gwen and Peter for a long time, and Captain Stacy was well known in their school). He didn't even attempt to avoid answering the question. And even though he didn't give an address, that answer alone told the adults that he was living in a bad area of town. The only people who lived 'on' the wharf were the homeless, transients, or drug-addicts. Even the poorer residents of the city stayed out of that area, if at all possible.

Captain Stacy wasn't really surprised at the answer. He'd already figured out that Flash probably wasn't doing well for himself, given that he clearly hadn't been eating as he should have done. "Where do you work?" He probed a little more, trying to get a feel for the exact situation the younger man was in.

"I work on the wharf... Low level dockhand..." Flash admitted reluctantly. So much for convincing Peter that he had a cushy job.

Connors slanted his head. "Honest work..." he said, but it was more like a question. Most dock jobs were legal and respectable, even if they were hard. But some skirted the law.

"Of course..." Flash responded, though the glance he gave Captain Stacy was a bit more furtive than the truth would have caused.

"We've had some trouble with some people on the wharf," Captain Stacy said. "I'm not sure working there is entirely good for you, even if the work is honest. And I don't like that you're living in one of the bad areas of town," he added, a concerned note slipping into his voice.

Flash fidgeted. He'd done his best to not accept any of the 'extra' jobs he'd been offered by his boss; and so far, Fisk had been accepting of that decision, but he knew eventually, that the other man would make a request for him to do 'extra' work and wouldn't take no for an answer. And then he'd be one of those 'causing trouble' for the captain. "Unless I find another job..." He shrugged unhappily. "I'm not in school... Don't have enough money and barely getting by for living, so...." He smiled crookedly at Peter. "Guess you were better after all..." he teased faintly.

"Well, you know, my offer still stands for you to come work at the compound," Peter said softly. "It's not all just Avengers and SHIELD work. There're other things going on, too. Like one of my cousins has helped set up a centre for troubled teens to go. And one of the others set up a free clinic for poorer people to get free healthcare. There's a lot going on there."

"Working at the compound would be a better idea," Captain Stacy said. "You could move away from the wharf...know that you're earning money honestly and legally. And  if you wanted to go on to college, I'm sure that can be arranged."

Flash glanced around uncertainly. "Why? I mean... You haven't seen me since graduation. Why do you care?" He swallowed.

Connors smiled sadly. "Why wouldn't they?'

"Well... I mean... My own family didn't. They disowned me when I..." He frowned and looked down. "When I told them I wasn't going to get together with the girl they chose for me."

Captain Stacy glanced at his wife, making sure she'd be okay with what he was about to say, and then spoke to Flash. "After dinner, I'll go with you to pick up your belongings from where you're living right now. I wouldn't advise working a notice period, even if there is one stated in your contract."

Peter cleared his throat. "I'll go with you," he offered. Since Flash was living in a bad area of town, there might be trouble. At least if he was there, the trouble would be mitigated.

Captain Stacy nodded. "Just make sure you touch base with whoever you need to back home."

"Yes, sir," Peter said sheepishly, even as he took out his phone to let his father know he'd be a bit later coming back than initially planned, and why. He didn't expect to run into any problems, of course, but it was still better that they knew.

"R... Really? You want me to quit and move in with you? If I quit, I couldn't pay you..." Flash said uncertainly. Part of him thought he should refuse, but if the offer was genuine... As much as he didn't mind the hard work, he wasn't happy about possibly being forced to work for Fisk and constantly having to look over every assignment given to make sure he wasn't getting into something he couldn't get out of with the king pin was exhausting.

"You don't need to worry about paying," Captain Stacy said firmly. "I'd be much happier if you were living away from the wharf and living here. So yes. I want you to quit and move in with us."

"Legally, I'm able to live on my own..." Flash said, testing the captain's resolve. "What if I want to stay where I am?"

"Legally, you can," Captain Stacy agreed. "But I don't think you're happy or comfortable where you're living right now. And I'm not prepared to just leave you in a potentially dangerous situation."

"So..." Flash swallowed, glancing uncertainly around the group. He wasn't sure he wanted to ask if he didn't have a choice. If the captain told him he didn't, he'd be faced with obeying and giving up his autonomy, or arguing against something he actually wasn't against. If the captain told him he did, then he'd feel obligated to turn it down because he couldn't expect them to take care of him. He wasn't part of their family and he didn't want to use them.

Connors watched, half expecting a refusal, the younger man was thinking so hard.

"Flash, you're clearly not doing well for yourself. You've already admitted as much," Captain Stacy said. "At this point, if you argue or refuse, I think you'd only be doing so for formality's sake. Not because it's what you want. And I don't expect you'd just take advantage and do nothing," he added. "I can help you find a safe, honest job. And I can help you further your education, if that's something you want to do. And there's nothing wrong with it if it's not," he added.

"....Okay..." Flash finally agreed. "You're right... I just... I'm not sure I know how to... Live with a family. Mine wasn't... Wasn't like yours..." He winced at the understatement.

"That's all right!" Gwen smiled at him. "You can learn. And it's not a problem if you mess up, since you won't need to leave or get disowned or anything like that."

"If you wanted more protection, you could adopt him," Peter suggested. "My family's got it down to a fine art. I'm sure Uncle Tony wouldn't mind letting you use his lawyers."

Captain Stacy glanced at Peter and nodded. "That's not a bad idea, actually."

Flash's eyes widened. "What... What would that mean?" he asked nervously. He'd heard rumors about the super huge family in Avenger's compound. None substantiated, but still.

"It'd make things official," Captain Stacy explained. "And it will also make sure you have legal protection. I expect the paperwork is fairly straightfoward, but we can always have a look together before signing."

"W.. why would you want to do that? Why would you want to protect me?" Flash sounded a bit confused and overwhelmed. Having been disowned by his blood family, he couldn't understand someone else wanting to add him to theirs.

"I don't believe you deserved to be disowned by your family," Captain Stacy said. "I think you need to have a family...a support system. And there's no reason for you not to be a part of this family."

Flash looked into Captain Stacy's eyes and then looked at Mrs. Stacy. It was obvious the man meant what he was saying; it was just as obvious his wife was in agreement with him. "Just like that? I don't have to do anything?" he finally asked.

"Nothing apart from agreeing and signing the paperwork once we have it," Captain Stacy said.

"No...expectations?" Flash was having difficulty believing it was that simple. Nothing in his life had been simple for a few years now.

"Just the normal expectations of being part of a family," Captain Stacy said. "Staying honest as much as possible. Don't do things that could put you or someone else in danger. And don't break the law, of course," he added, with a smile.

Flash smiled back. That wasn't going to be difficult, he didn't think. "Okay..." he finally whispered. "When...?"

"As soon as possible," Captain Stacy said. "We'll drive out to pick up your stuff and move you in here this evening. Then once Peter can put me in touch with Stark's lawyers, we can make it official."

"Yeah... Okay..." Flash seemed to be in shock.

"Do you need any help getting a room ready?" Connors asked.

"You could give me a hand with that while they collect his belongings." Mrs. Stacy smiled at Connors.

Connors nodded. "I can help clean up from dinner as well. It was very good," he said, with a smile.

"I'm glad." Mrs. Stacy smiled and stood up. Before beginning to clear the table, she gave her husband a chaste kiss. "Be careful."

"Of course." He smiled at her, then nodded to Flash. "You ready to go?"

"Yessir..." Flash immediately stood.

Connors began to help clear the table.

Gwen gave Peter a hug, then moved to help her mother and Connors with the table.

Captain Stacy nodded to Peter, who quickly stood, and then led the way out of the apartment and to the elevator

Flash bit his lip, then gave the captain his current address. He was in a worse part of town than they'd even suspected from his answers.

Captain Stacy raised his eyebrows, but didn't comment on the location as they moved into the elevator. Instead, he looked towards Peter. "Your dad going to be okay with this?"

"As long as I immediately let him know if things go badly," Peter replied.

"What if you didn't let him know immediately?" Flash asked curiously.

"Depends on how dangerous the situation is," Peter said. "The family has a rather unique way of dealing with things like dangerous behaviour, or lying...or guilt..." he added, remembering how Connors had looked. "It's unconventional, but it works."

"Yeah? What way is that?" Captain Stacy asked.

Peter hesitated, but only for a second. He'd already thought about letting things slip to Gwen's father...especially as the man seemed to truly care about Doctor Connors, if the way he was keeping the other man close was any indication. "Spanking," he answered finally.

Flash's eyes went wide. "Dr. Banner would spank you if you didn't let him know what you were doing?!"

"If it was something dangerous, or something I'd been forbidden from doing," Peter said. "He knew where I was going today, but that's more because it's a good idea, especially given that we do have some enemies...plus, it's just respectful to tell your family where you're going to be."

Captain Stacy didn't say anything, but there was a thoughtful look on his face as the elevator reached the bottom floor.

"Yeah. I guess..." Flash said uncertainly. He wasn't sure about having to get permission, or if telling someone where he was going was something he could deal with, but Peter seemed content enough with it. Maybe it wasn't that bad. The closer they got to leaving for his 'home', the quieter he became.

Captain Stacy ushered the two younger men into the car and began driving towards the address Flash had given him. "How much do you have to collect?" he asked.

"Not a lot. I got robbed my first week there. Never was able to replace anything but some of my clothes..." Flash admitted.

"Is there anything important that's missing?" Captain Stacy asked. "If you make a list, it might be possible to get some of them back."

"No. Anything important I had, my parents got rid of when they disowned me .. before I could retrieve it..." Flash sighed. "But, you know. It's just stuff. It was only important because of the memories attached and they couldn't take those, right?"

"No one can take away your memories," Captain Stacy agreed. "And you'll be able to make new memories, too."

"Especially now that I don't have to worry about how I'm going to survive..." Flash smiled crookedly. "Thank you, Captain Stacy... And Peter. You two changed my life tonight."

***

"We didn't run into any danger, of course," Peter said...in case any of the family members had been worrying.

"I'm glad to hear our actions here have inspired at least one police precinct to try rehabilitation for those prisoners who have shown either remorse or a willingness to change," Steve said.

Bruce smiled at his son, hugging him to his side. "That was just last week, wasn't it? You'll have to invite them here for a dinner. I want to meet your sweetheart."

Peter nodded, leaning into his father. "I'm sure she'd like to meet you all too."

"If you invite them for dinner, I can catch up with Captain Stacy then," Blake said. "I'd like to know more about this program his precinct is running."

"If he's dealing with Fisk, I'd like to give him all the information I have on the man," Matt said somberly.

***

Yelena and Drug had hidden in the woods, far enough away to remain in the shadows but close enough to hear. "Is... Is this normal family behavior?" she asked in confusion.

"I believe so," Druig said, asking, "Didn't you ever do things like this when a kid?"

"Ours was not a normal family," Yelena responded, almost wistfully.