<span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#99ff99">Aware of how fragile Peter's composure was, Tony kept him close.  The hand remained on the back of his neck, and any time Peter looked like he needed it, Tony tugged him a little closer, safe in the protective curve of his arm.  <br/>
<br/>
He was relieved that May had added that addendum to the will.  It made things a little clearer... but his relief was short lived.  He wanted to be angry, but he couldn't -- not when it was to protect Peter.  "Right now, you're <i>legally</i> responsible for Peter," Tony corrected.  It wasn't the sharp bantering tone -- it wasn't his business negotiation tone either.  This was as close as he could manage to the way he spoke to the other Avengers, and to Pepper and Rhodey.  "Make no mistake, I'm still responsible for him emotionally.  Nothing's going to change that."  He paused, checking in on Peter's state of mind before he continued.  "Peter's been my intern -- my protege -- for awhile now.  We don't publicize that, as I'm sure you can imagine.  Pepper -- Miss Potts probably included his internship paperwork in what she sent you, yeah?"  He rolled on as though she'd answered.  "I know what the media says about me, but here's the truth -- Peter's never seen me drink, and he's never seen me bring a bimbo home.  I've got a committed partner who's waiting at home to welcome Peter into the room that's already his.  We've got his favorite snacks in the cupboard -- if Thor hasn't found them -- " he added, pinching Peter's neck in an effort to make him laugh, "--and his school schedule's already up on the fridge.  We aren't a traditional family, I'll give you that -- but we are one.  Me and Peter and my partner and the rest of the Avengers... we're family.  And if you repeat that outside this room, I'll vehemently deny it -- because letting the media think we're dysfunctional keeps us safe."  He paused.  "I need Peter to be safe.  I think that's with me, with us -- if he wants to be.  We want him to come home."  He tugged Peter close again, kissing his temple.  "Grief sucks ass hard enough, I don't want to make it worse by having him be in an unfamiliar place any longer than he has to be."</span></span>