Author's Note: I got the idea for part of this chapter after waking up from a brilliant nap. Let me be the first to tell you that summer work for AP classes is the bane of a teenager's existence, and when mixed with Cross Country and Marching Band, the combination can be lethal! So today's lesson is that you're NEVER too old to take a nap. Everybody gets a little tired sometimes! 3, Rinn

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Chapter Four

Seven Months Post-Adoption

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Steve always got a full night's sleep. He was a firm believer that the nighttime was meant for sleep (and naughty time with Tony, but that was besides the point). Tony had an entirely different philosophy. He was a night owl, so he only got a couple hours a night. Naps were a must for him. And Peter? Peter was just a baby. Babies need lots of sleep.

Every day around two in the afternoon, Tony would stop what he was doing and leave his lab. He would go find Peter, and the two of them would lie down on the couch together, falling asleep rather quickly. During these times, Steve liked to sit in the armchair and read, just to be close to them. He could hear the hum of the arc reactor and Peter's wispy breathing, which was definitely relaxing.

Tony woke up first, stretching his arms above his head. Peter clutched him closer, nuzzling the arc reactor with his cheek and yawning. Tony looked over at Steve and smiled softly.

"Hey sexy," Tony said sleepily. "What time is it?"

"Nearly five. Long nap today." Steve closed the book and set it on the side table. "Did you have any plans for dinner? Or should I ask Jarvis to whip something up?"

"Whatever you want, hon," Tony replied.

"Actually, sir," Jarvis said. "Peter has requested a dinner of fried rice. He told me earlier to ask permission. Shall I call King Wu and place an order?"

Steve chuckled. "Yes, Jarvis, you can place an order of fried rice for Peter. But I'm in the mood for Italian. So maybe two orders of spaghetti for Mr. Stark and I? From Mercutio's?"

"Absolutely, sir." Jarvis said. "I will order both requests straight away."

"Thank you, Jarvis," Tony said as he turned on the television. "Oh hey, Markus and Matthew's birthday party is this weekend. Saturday at noon. Can you believe they're already four years old? I still remember that first night, when Thor was bouncing up and down like a little kid with a sugar high."

Steve nodded. "I remember. Peter and I picked a present for each yesterday when we were out shopping."

At the mention of his name, Peter jerked awake. "Papa, is somefin wong?" he asked, rubbing at his eyes.

"No, baby, I'm sorry for waking you up," Steve said. "You have been asleep for awhile though, little one. Jarvis just ordered dinner. Why don't you go get something to drink and come sit with us." Peter slid off the couch and walked into the kitchen.

"Ja-vis!" Peter called.

"Yes, Mr. Peter?" Jarvis replied.

"Could I have sohm tea?" the boy asked. "Gween, if we have it?"

"Of course, sir."

Peter walked back into the living room with his tea a few minutes later. Steve had moved to the couch, and there was a perfect Peter-sized space between the two of them. He sat down and took a sip.

"Dowtow Who is on, Daddy!" Peter said happily. Tony stopped flipping the channels and stopped on BBC America.

The Doctor was waving his sonic screwdriver around, babbling on and on to Amy and Rory about something or another. Peter sipped at his tea some more before setting it on the coffee table. He took one of his Papa's hands, and one of his Daddy's, and held them both as he watched his show.

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The twins' birthday party was small, with just the family present. Peter and Loki held hands while they ate pizza and cake. Loki showed off his baby sister to everyone, and the five bigger children played with toys.

"Pe-er," Matthew said. "Why you an Oki haf mashin' wings?"

Peter looked down at his ninja ring. "Oh, it's 'cause Oki an I are in wove. That's why you geh mawwied."

Loki, who didn't talk much, cuddled closer to Peter's side and stuck his thumb in his mouth. His black hair was ruffled slightly, and his pale cheeks held a small blush.

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The family was by no means perfect. They had their ups and their downs, their ins and their outs. But the most important thing was that they all cared about one another, and made sure everyone else was safe, healthy, and happy.

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THE END

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Author's Note: This story was never meant to be super duper long, guys. This was just leading up to the main story, about all the kids as teenagers. There will be love. There will be anger. There will be Kid Avengers. So watch for my sequel, please and thank you!