Chapter Text
It’s a painfully mundane day when Peter decides enough is enough. The sky is gray but his heart pounds with the anxiety of his decision. Today will be the day he tells Erik that he’s his dad.
It’s been nearly a year now, since they had both moved into the mansion. The longer they stay and the closer they become, the more the possibility of him leaving looms. The older man always seems to be moving. He’s already been here so long, that sometimes it just feels like he won’t stay much longer. He’s scared. And it’s because of that, that he knows he needs to just tell him already, before it’s too late.
So determinedly, he marches down to Chuck’s office to inform him of his plan. The only ones who know are him and Raven, the latter of which would probably be of absolutely no help whatsoever, so he decided to go straight to Charles. This time, he does not knock on the large wooden door, simply barging in, and upon seeing the man sitting alone, doing some paperwork, he begins to speak as he walks quickly into the large study.
“I’m going to tell him. I mean I can’t keep it a secret forever. Or wait, can I? Actually? Because that might be easier. Man help me I’m freaking the fuck out right now.”
“I think that talking to Erik is a great idea, but if you’re not ready, you shouldn’t push yourself.”
“I- I want to tell him. I really, really do! But… what if he doesn’t want me?” He asks, voice dropping barely above a whisper. “I mean- I’m a high-school dropout, a felon, not particularly intelligent-”
“Peter, don’t say that. You are one of the most clever and perceptive young men I have ever had the pleasure of meeting, which is saying a lot, considering I run a school frequented by geniuses. And I promise to you, your father could never be disappointed by such a wonderful son. And if he is, then that is purely a fault of his own. You are the child in this relationship, and he is the adult . Even if you are grown, the fact that responsibility for your relationship lies on his shoulders does not change.”
“I- but- what if he thinks I’m trying to replace Nina and Anya? I mean it’s so soon-”
“You are not replacing anybody. I will not deny that grieving Magda and Nina has been difficult for Erik, but that does not change the fact that he will love you, nor the fact that he already does. Peter, do you know how often he talks about you? How lucky your parents are to have you. He already cares so much for you, you have nothing to worry about.”
“I- I don’t-” he trails off, lost for words.
“Give Erik the family he so desperately wants.”
“I- okay. Yeah, yeah, okay. I’ll tell him. Thanks for the pep-talk.”
Charles smiles warm and soft.
“Anytime.”
He spends about another hour sitting in his bedroom trying to work up his courage before eventually deciding to go for a run to try and clear his head. It takes 18 laps around the world before he stops to breathe. Winded, but not too badly, he sits on the bench closest to him and takes a sip of his water. He closes his eyes and pants into his lap. He uses his sleeve to wipe a sheen of sweat from his brow. He suddenly becomes aware of soft footsteps approaching, and lifting his head up, he finds none other than the man of the hour.
Either he coincidentally found him here, or the professor sold him out. The latter is significantly more likely. The older man takes a seat beside him.
“Charles said you had something you wanted to tell me. Are you alright?”
“Yeah- yeah I’m fine.”
He lets the silence hang for a moment as he prepares himself. It’s scary. But it’s also something he needs to do.
“I do- umm- have something to tell you. But it’s kind of a big thing. So I- I just wanted to make sure you know- you aren’t- like- obligated to respond to it any which way. I understand that you have your own feelings and stuff and I just want you to understand that I don’t expect anything from you. I mean- I’m a grown man. You have no responsibility here so if you’re angry or upset I totally get it-”
“Peter. You are a wonderful young man and no matter what you tell me, It could never make me care for you any less. I swear to you.”
“I- thank you.” He inhales deeply. “I am- you are… I’m your son,” he blurts out anxiously. “I mean like biologically, but you’re still under no obligation to do anything or be a dad or anything like that. I just thought you should know.”
“How- how long have you known?” The former terrorist asks, dumfounded.
“Since right after the pentagon,” he answers quietly. Silently, tears begin to fill Erik’s eyes, and Peter has no clue what to do.
“I- I’m so sorry,” his father says, voice cracking under the pressure of tears in his throat.
“Why?” The younger man asks genuinely.
“I- I left you. I left you to grow up without a father and I left Wanda too. What if- what if I was there to help her. What if-”
“Hey. It’s not your fault,” he looks the older man in the eyes deliberately. “You didn’t even know we existed. Mom told you to fuck off and you listened. None of that is on you.”
“Thank you. For forgiving me. I- of course I want to be a father to you, if that’s what you want. You are one of the most extraordinary and good-natured people I have ever had the honor of meeting. I care so deeply about you, Peter. It would be my privilege to be your dad.”
Peter, for all his quick wits, has no idea what to say. So he doesn’t say anything. He just flings himself at his father and hugs him tight.
“It’s alright, tatelah,” he whispers, as he combs his hand through his silver locks. “It’s all going to be alright.”